ENDLICH ALLEIN

Here is another rare mid 90s release by an Italian one-shot (as far as I'm aware) and there is little information out there about Endlich Allein. While decent prog albums were being made in Italy in the 90s many tended to be influenced by neo-prog, I notice the trend in the synth and guitar sounds, as compared to many resurgent bands today who are blending their modern styles with the more organic, traditional instrumentations of the classic period. Kinesis is correct to note the influence of Atons here, who were an 80s band combing progressive and rock sounds during a very dry period. There is actually a link to Atons as their guitarist arranged and helped record the album.

"Le Voci del Mondo" is very far from a masterpiece but it is a thoughtful and melodic collection of 90s prog rock. Kinesis states that their "music is filled with such brio, as befits the Italian culture and sunny Mediterranean climate -- nothing dark, brooding, or plodding here. Merge the feel of PFM's Passpartu album with more electric instrumentation and more rock and you have Aton's and Endlich Allein." Inspired by the words of Robert Schneider, the compositions are the sole work of guitarist/keyboardist Edoardo Brosia. The 13 tracks never exceed 5 ½ minutes keeping the ideas ever changing and are broken up several times by short classical acoustic guitar interludes which is a really nice touch. The main rock tracks are clearly sympathetic to the neo-prog sound though other styles are present as well. The longer tracks feature an energetic synth-rock approach with decent male vocals in Italian, bold electric guitar leads, and pretty decent drumming. A nice bit of saxophone dresses up "L'Ultimo Canto" as an album highlight. Brosia's guitars are a definite mixed bag for me: his acoustic interludes, and his electric leads are pretty darn good. The acoustic stuff is presented solo and is beautiful, while his electric leads are emotional and fiery when needed. But the electric rhythm sound is a fairly cheesy, immature chainsaw distortion that is poorly transitioned and controlled. It comes into the song about as subtly as Kramer coming through the door of Seinfeld's apartment and leaves just as abruptly. The sound itself just makes me wince though it is not a deal breaker for me, I can still enjoy the positive attributes of Le Voci. The biggest asset here is the sunny disposition and enthusiastic vibe of the music. There are some really good rockin' sections and some warm, intimate songwriting ideas throughout and yet it remains between 2-3 stars in my eyes.

For me personally it is 2 ½ stars and not quite enough to get a 3 star recommendation. But for those who really like the 90s synth-heavy prog sound and songs which are short and upbeat, you may find Endlich Allein one of those pleasant obscurities worth checking out.