EGONON

First I'd like to say that I'm sure that my review won't do this very fine piece of artwork justice! Next, I'd like to say that I absolutely love this album! Without much hesitation, I believe that this recording, although using a completely modern format deserves to be perched up near the top recordings of all time in the RPI genre! After a few listens to this recording in my van I found it very difficult to move on to other music. The music, and the detailed recording are of the best quality. Even after several listens, I was still finding new details emerging within the music. If the music is good (which this is no doubt) and a new appreciation occurs durring subsequent hearings, there is nothing left but to give it the highest rating. I only hope that Egonon can come close to this recording in future efforts. As Todd stated in his review, these guys are in my number one spot along with Gran Turisimo Veloce, La Coscienza di Zeno and Pandora as some of the modern-day RPI groups that I love and will be watching for their future recordings! Although Todd had mentioned a few other RPI groups in his review, of them, I am not familiar with Absenthia, was never truly convinced on purchasing any of Lagartija's recordings yet and unfortunately, I'm going to have to give Il Tempio delle Clessidre another listen. Although I haven't reviewed their album yet, upon my first listen or two a number of months, probably over a year ago, I found the recording to be a bit lacking for my personal tastes. I know that it has become a popular recording for many, but to me it seemed to be lacking dynamically and also lacking in variety. It reminded me of early CAP recordings and Starcastle stuff as well. Just sort of there, instrumentally fine but somehow monotonous and undramatic. Oh well, sorry if I stepped on anyones toes as I know that some of these recordings I've just mentioned are highly praised by some. Pardon me for getting off of the topic a bit there. Back to Egonon. Actually and your welcome, I'm pertty much done. I'm sure that I've fallen short on this critique, but to anyone who likes RPI, even a little, I highly recommend giving this recording a chance! Keep up the absolutely fine work Egonon! Enjoy Gods gift of music everyone. Take care.

1. "Phosforo" (4:16). I like the muted vocals and muted trumpets of the A parts, the heavier B parts make it sound like Maynard James Keenan's PERFECT CIRCLE. (8/10)

2. "Lacrime di luce" (6:50) begins with samples from Italian television. Gorgeous acoustic guitars and mellotrons enter to set up alternating channel lead vocals. Has a bit of LUNATIC SOUL feel. Love the first two minutes. Flute and deep male voice mellotron introduce next heavier 'chorus' section. Cool to hear "heavy" parts done with acoustic guitars and mellotrons. Interesting pause near the five minute mark. Again, PERFECT CIRCLE are my best comparison/reference. (9/10)

3. "Risveglio" (4:28) begins with sitar and drone. At one minute mark enters drums, followed by electric guitar power chords, but sitar, acoustic guitars and Middle Eastern-sounding flutes accompany! Ensuing pause filled by percussive notes of a ChapmanStick with cello playing over. After another round of the harmonized vocal part a voice is singing in Arabian. Saxophone and female voice! What an odd song using such wildly disparate sounds, tempos, and incidentals! To great effect. (9/10)

4. "Alma senza virta" (4:38) begins with cello and woodwind, then deep male voice, adding rolling toms and Arabian violin-like instrument as it builds into a heavier song. At three minute mark is an odd little section of double bass, woodwind and hand percussion, before song returns to original B and A parts. (8/10)

5. "L'uomo libero" (5:24) begins with vocal, backed by piano and soft electric guitar arpeggios before cello/viola joins. Vocal harmonies are quite typical of RPI. Pause filled by trumpet and piano, then cello, piano and voice. A distinctively Spanish feel to this song's melody and singing--not unlike THE GYPSY KINGS. Beat piks up at 2:20 and transmutes into an almost B:LUE OYSTER CULT-like section (saxes make it stand out on its own). Electric guitars backed by mellotron again fill the background. As singers belt it out. Another lull at 3:50 in which plaintive voice sings over repeated electric guitar arpeggios and soloing trumpet. FRIPP-like electric guitar supplants voice for a solo along with the trumpet to end. (8/10)

6. "Voglio essere piccolo" (4:06) begins interestingly but then bleeds into a very pop-sounding B section. But the chorus section is heavier. The following vocal section is one of my favorites on the album: whispers, pleadings, great acoustic guitars. Then back to the chorus. At 2:05 a GENTLE GIANT-like multi-vocal display begins, morphing into a heavier ARJEN LUCCASSON-like section. At 3:05 drums bring us back to the lighter acoustic guitar section. Three songs in a row in which the lead guitarist has chosen a very familiar ROBERT FRIPP sound--dating all the way back to the early 70s. (8/10)

7. "Golgotha" (4:55) is begun with the sound of wind and a distant trumpet echoing from far away. Guitars usher in the heavier rock sounds, which fall away when the emotional soft vocals begin. Keening sound of an oud seems to accompany throughout (except for avant jazz section at 3:30). One of the album's heavier songs, yet as quirky and unpredictable as the rest. (8/10)

8. "Khamsin" (1:32) constitutes a lone male voice singing what sounds like an Arabic religious song. Pretty.

9. "Maya" (3:55) begins with some very typical RPI vocals but played over unusual instruments: Arabian strings (oud et al.) and female chants, flutes, bass, acoustic guitar. This could be something from an album by BANCO, AREA or OSANNA. Chorus section is built around electric guitar power chords and saxophone bursts. Excellent bass play throughout this song. What a complex weave! The Arabian themes continue, complete with some female Arabian vocals before and while the song gets heaviest (3:00). Fade with female vocalist singing in that middle Eastern keen. (8/10)

10. "Rosso asfalto" (5:41) is one of the few songs here that starts out on the heavy side and then settles back into a softer section before building. Some fast-speaking lyrics at times feeling as if they are delivering a tongue-in-cheek message. (Red asphalt?!) Ends with a phone conversation. These last two could have easily been from an AREA album. (8/10)

11. "Tra la notte e l'alba (4:03) begins rather delicately, synth and FRIPP "Moonchild"-like guitar notes, before kicking into a more evolved version of KC, say the Larks Tongue era. Less quirks and tricks on this more straightforward rock song. Not a favorite of mine. (But, then, neither is Larks Tongue-era KC.) (7/10)

12. "Tutto cia che avevo era un'anima" (3:52) is another song which makes me feel as if the band is getting a bit tired of diversity, seeking more to settle into more straightforward rock formulae. A little LINCOLN PARK, anyone? Great cello, though! The laugh at the end says it all--and I couldn't agree more. (6/10)

13. "Sul lato caldo della strada" (3:52) begins with that ominous delicacy that just shouts "Just wait: the loudness is coming!" But when the electric guitars come it is with the unexpected accompaniment of female choir and the a chorus sung in English ("Over the rainbow...") Nothing new or unexpected here. (7/10)

14. "L'abito bianco" (4:35) begins with some chanting, as if mountain monks from Eastern and Western traditions were joined together. The song that comes out of this chanting harkens back to a LINCOLN PARK/KING CRIMSON/KINKS union. (8/10)

15. "Coda 43 km!" (2:03) begins with some voices talking as if their in a highway underpass or tunnel. Pulsing reverse squeezebox and echo-treated trumpet join in as cars pass by from both right and left. By 1:10 the musical instruments have left and we are left with just the sounds of the passing cars. And then nothing.

The inventive, complicated compositions here are played and recorded incredibly well but leave me with the feeling that all is one, all are the same, no one song or melody or hook stays in my mind, haunts me, draws me back. I listen to this album from time to time--particularly since it continues to be so highly rated here on PA--but it has never been a labour of love. This music is, for me, interesting more than engaging. I find myself amused and entertained by the musicianship, creative constructs, and unpredictable instrumental combinations, but fail to come away loving this music. Recommended to all for the unusual experience each will take away, but I would not call this an essential addition to any prog lover's collection. For some it may become essential (especially RPI lovers), for others excellent, for still others only something good--a nice experience once in one's lifetime. I am probably of this latter category: once I've posted this review it is unlikely that I will ever return to this album again.

3.5 stars rated up for my appreciation of the talent and courageousness of its composers and performers.

"Phosforo" eventually is led by drums followed by reserved vocals. Piano, horns and more. Great sound. It's surprisingly heavy before 2 minutes and this will come and go. Nice grinding guitar late. "Lacrime Di Luce" opens with what sounds like someone trying to find a radio station. It kicks in before a minute then settles back with vocals as contrasts continue. I like the clarinet that comes and goes. Killer track. "Risveglio" has a Middle Eastern sounding intro then the drums kick in at a minute. Here we go ! The heaviness continues to be contrasted with the more laid back sections. "Alma Senza Virtu" has sparse cello to start followed by melodic guitar and reserved vocals. It's building with horns. Guitar before 4 minutes. "L'uomo Libero" has reserved vocals and flute as a beat joins in and more. It kicks in at a minute then settles back again. It then picks up before 2 1/2 minutes. Great sound. It settles again before 4 minutes. "Voglio Essere Piccolo" kicks in right away with a heavy sound then the vocals come in as it settles some. The tempo and mood continue to change. "Golgotha" has mournful sounding horns to start then it kicks in hard before a minute. Vocals arrive as it settles back. Violin-like sounds after 2 minutes then it turns jazzy after 3 1/2 minutes then heavy again. The sound of the wind blowing ends it.

"Khamsin" is a short piece with mournful vocals. "Maya" has spoken words, strings and bass as it builds. It kicks in with vocals before a minute. Spoken words as it calms down again. Contrasts continue. "Rosso Asfalto" is an amazing track where the heaviness comes and goes. "Tra La Notte E T'alba" opens with the usual chunky bass and deep sounding drums. Vocals join in. It picks up with horns. Grinding guitar after 2 1/2 minutes then it turns jazzy before 3 1/2 minutes. Kicks back in. "Tutto Cio Che Avevo Era Un'anima" is a vocal track where the tempo changes often. Guitar after 2 minutes. It ends with laughter and i'm laughing too. "Sul Lato Caldo Della Strada" has a dark intro that builds. So good. Reserved vocals join in then it turns powerful before settling back again as contrasts continue. Horns before 2 1/2 minutes then guitar. "L'abito Bianco" has these repeated words as vocal melodies join in. Very Middle Eastern sounding then the horns come in. "Coda : 42 Km !" ends the album with atmosphere and experimental sounds.

Maybe i'm just too hopped up about this right now but I have to give this 5 stars. Time will tell if this changes. An incredible release from Italy.

Although prog rock may not receive the same recognition today that it did in its prime, Italy is one place where the progressive tradition still holds strong. In fact, bands like EGONON go to prove that the Italy prog scene is going through another 'great age'. Among acts like IL TEMPIO DE CLESSIDRE and HOSTSONATEN, EGONON are pursuing the 'prog' sound boldly, without falling into many of its cliches. 'Risveglio' is the first effort by this band, although the professional approach and sense of adventure seems indicative of a band much more experienced. Lively, diverse and full of surprises, 'Risveglio' is a near-masterpiece from a band that is worth keeping an eye on.

Regardless of quality, I cannot say I would have been surprised, had EGONON pursued a 'symphonic' brand of prog rock here, as many of their contemporaries have done. Mellotrons and the theatrical Italian-language vocals typical of Italian progressive music are both here in great amounts, but this band may have as much in common with TOOL or even SYSTEM OF A DOWN as they do with PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI, or the 'classic' Italian bands. At first, hearing EGONON's grungy approach to the prog formula is puzzling, but they know how to make it work. Inching over the hour mark, 'Risveglio' boasts the performances of many talented musicians and instrumentation ranging from the typical guitars and keyboards, to trumpets, cellos, and sitar. EGONON seem determined to keep their sound from falling into any one style. Suffice to say, there are few albums out there where a listener is treated to grungy alt rock and Arabic folk music within the same disc.

'Voglio Essere Piccolo' may be my favourite cut from 'Risveglio', balancing out passionate anger and beauty in equal measure. Barring that, it is difficult to pinpoint 'highlights' within 'Risveglio'. The sheer variety and constant switching up of sound and style makes EGONON's music best approached idea-by-idea. Some of the more conservatively minded RPI proggers may find EGONON's modern approach to be a little too aggressive and promiscuous with style, but 'Risveglio' is one of the most interesting modern statements to come out of Italy's prog rock scene over the past year.

And I am not a one-day fan of Italian prog, no, I am a truly follower of that progressive rock scene because they are always bringing new, fresh and original music, of course, with elements taken from past influences, but with an own and rising sound. Egonon is a new band whose music surpasses the RPI cannon, and includes an interesting blend of symphonic rock, with folk elements, jazzy moments and even some avant-garde tunes. They released in 2011 their debut album entitled 'Risveglio', whose 15 tracks will make you have a satisfying experience.

It opens with 'Phosforo' which is a wonderful opener song. Piano, percussion, strings and a great voice begin to build up this track. There are soft moments which later are contrasted with heavier ones in which electric guitars appear; there is also a brief passage where English lyrics appear, but well, I love Italian language, so I always prefer bands sing in their native language, it gives uniqueness. After some four minutes when you don't think about it, you are already listening to 'Lacrime di Luce' which is one of my favorite tracks of this album. Here I love the keyboards as background, the sometimes delicate sometimes heavy guitars, and of course I love Fabio Calo's voice. The song is very well crafted and gives as a result a wonderful composition.

With only two tracks, one can feel satisfied and wait for more good tunes. The next track is 'Risveglio', it features a sitar that produces an obvious mid-east sound complemented by percussion, however, seconds later it makes a drastic change making a heavier sound with electric guitar and strong vocals. The variety of musical and cultural elements in this song is worth highlighting, because we can listen to the 'ordinary' instruments, but in some moments they bring a flute, a sax, a sitar, and even a guest male voice that all together make an outstanding track, whose four minutes are a proof of the top-notch quality of Egonon.

'Alma senza virt'' continues with that particular Egonon sound which does not stand in only one style. Here we can listen again to sax, plus a wonderful viola, as well as the conventional instruments. One of the things I really appreciate is how the album easily flows, I mean, we are listening to a giant track divided in 15 episodes which are connected each other, here all of them are essential for the album's success. 'L'uomo Libero' is an example of that perfect fluency, and another of my favorite tracks, especially after two minutes when sax enters and a true dynamic passage is created.

'Voglio essere piccolo' has a powerful starting but it is softened seconds later, though guess what, it is like a roller coaster with moments of high and low intensity that is transmitted to the listener, so one can feel what the music suggests, no matter if you understand Italian or not. I am about to say that this is another of my favorite tracks, but well, which isn't? 'Golgotha' starts with a delicate saxophone for almost a minute, then guitars, drums, bass and voice enter, along with that particular mid-eastern flavor. Here we can listen how they enjoy experimenting and trespass boundaries.

'Khamsin' is the shortest track, but it is a very peculiar one nonetheless due to the addition of a disarming African voice, I ignore the language, but it sounds terrific. It is liked to 'Maya' where the Italian lyrics return but the mid-east sound is still there. Here, besides those sounds and cultural styles we can listen to a jazzy passage thanks to the saxophone, but later a violin and female vocals produce once again the folkish sound. Man, what a great mixture of elements, sounds, textures, cultures, styles, nuances, etc.

'Rosso asfalto' has a powerful introduction with the sax, drums and bass, later it slows down and little by little it begins to progress once again. The mellotron background is wonderful in the whole album, as well as the voice. There is a short pause after 4 minutes, later some spoken voices are heard and the song softly vanishes. 'Tra la note e l'Alba' continues with that soft sound in the beginning, but later it progresses little by little, adding electric guitar riffs, heavier tunes that all of a sudden are combined and contrasted with some experimental moments, like the entrance of sax.

'Tutto cio che avevo era un'anima' starts again with a delicate sound, with violoncello accompanying voice and guitar, later mellotron joins and creates a wonderful choral background. The last minute is vertiginous, faster and with some cool backing vocals. 'Sul lato caldo della strada' combines once again Italian and English lyrics, while the music lies in a mellotron atmosphere, along with rockish guitars (acoustic and electric), jazzy saxophone and nice bass lines.

'L'abito bianco' has a kind of sacred sound in the beginning, but later a new structure is being built with a delicate and mellow sound that in moments is even sensual with the addition of the clarinet. However, as usual they change and produce different sounds and moods, which is part of the own style of Egonon. The album finishes with 'Coda: 42km' a two-minute ending track that is like the final experiment of the band. Case closed, turn the page, and wait for their new album.

What a wonderful experience I had with this album, now I am eagerly expecting for the new Egonon work, which will be sure a guarantee of good music. My final grade will be five stars, masterpiece!

Enjoy it!

EGONON combines the best of the Italian progressive tradition with modern sensibilities and eclectic influences. Although "Risveglio," their first album, was self-produced, the sound is very professional. The band continues in the grand Italian tradition of incorporating Mediterranean (including Middle Eastern) influences, sounds, melodies, and instruments into their songs--besides the normal rock staples, we hear mellotron, cello, sax, trumpet, flugelhorn, oud, sitar, sarangi, and darbuka. The result is a wonderful blend of old and new, exotic and familiar, melodic and jarring--in short an excellent Rock Progressivo Italiano adventure.

As for the music, there is beautiful melody as seemingly only the Italians can do (listen to the chorus of "Voglio Essere Piccolo"); hard driving crunchy guitars (beginning of the same song); guitars doubled by sax ("Rosso Asfalto"); melodic acoustic guitars over a lush mellotron background ("Lacrime di Luce"). There are many Middle Eastern instruments, singing, and melodies ("Golgotha," "Khamsin"), even some Italian folk melodies.

Lyrically, according to lyricist and songwriter Fabio Calo', the album begins a "quadrilogy that sets a whole initiation process through Music; a different way to see spirituality, more of a Solar Hero's ultimate fight rather than a monk making Om on a solitary hill. . . . It hits your darkest parts soundly and lifts them up to the sky sublimated." Sung mostly in Italian, the lyrics are personal, meaningful, and poignant, adding another dimension to an already pleasantly diverse work.

All in all, this album is a phenomenal debut from a band that I look forward to hearing from in the future. I include Egonon with Gran Turismo Veloce, Absenthia, La Coscienza di Zeno, Il Tempio delle Clessidre, and Lagartija as the vanguard of the excellent new music coming from Italy. I can't actually imagine them getting any better. Five stars.