“Crac!” is the third studio effort by that glorious avant-garde ensemble from Italy named Area.This work not only follows in the robust, challenging vein of its masterful predecessor “Caution Radiation Area”, but it also replicates its intensity and modernistic inventiveness. On the other hand, it is fair to note down that the level of extravagant madness is not as pronounced as on the aforesaid album (or the next one “Maledetti”, another Área masterpiece that we are not reviewing at this moment). One detail we can notice is that the ever bizarre Demetrio Stratos actually “bothers” to sing, that is, use his voice to elaborate defined melodic lines through a song’s development. The first case is the opener ‘L’Elefante Bianco’, in which the lead vocal and piano enter at unison and display an exciting, playful motif full of Southern Mediterranean and Turkish nuances (some relatedness with the previous album’s opener ‘Cometa Rossa’ can be traced as well). The second case is ‘Gioia e Rivoluzione’, which portrays a gentle, acoustic sonic architecture very much akin to the standardized hippy protest song: the subject of freedom regained after the demise of a dictatorship is worked on with a calculated folkish naivety. Curiously, the Tarzan-like vocal interventions are used subtly as to add colour (as apposed to disturbance) to the repeated final chorus. But hey, this is an Area album, and as such, it is mandatory that it contains a large amount of jazz-rock and psychedelically driven elements of experimentation in a prog context. ‘La Mela di Odessa (1920)’ and ‘Megalopoli’ are two intricate sonic journeys equally nurtured by energy and insolence, influenced by Mahavishnu Orchestra and aiming for a delirious refurbishment of the usual concepts of jazz-fusion. Actually, I have the impression that the rhythmic duo bears a more powerful feel than on the previous album (the bassist that debuted in the “Caution” album feels evidently at home here). Guitarists Tofani is more deeply involved than ever before in the exploration of synthesized enhancements for his lead guitar – the guitar phrases that he throws in on ‘Megalopoli’ are weird beyond words. Tofani uses his ARP synthesizer sensibly in order to preserve a creative tension in the sounds delivered over the complex rhythmic structures. Stratos’ Hammond chops settle in freely, augmenting the band’s global power. Being less aggressive than the two aforesaid pieces, ‘Nervi Scorpeti’ finds Fariselli initially assuming the leading role with an amazing electric piano solo, in this way preparing the stage for the moment in which Tofani will make his McLaguhlin-meets-Fripp flourishes, using effectively his guitar as a provider of tension combined with eeriness. Less aggressive, indeed, but equally brilliant. Let me reiterate how effective the rhythm duo is – a special mention has to go to Capiozzo, whose rolls and other sundry drumming tricks are almost humanly impossible, especially in those passages of tracks 2 and 3 where things get flashy and flaming. Some of these racks feel actually short: sometimes I surprise myself mentally cursing the moment in which the fade-out arrives to interrupt what could have been a magical expansion. ‘Area 5’ is the album’s brief epilogue, an exercise on musique concrete based on craftily calculated alternations of vocal, guitar, piano, bass and drum – a Dadaistic thing, Area-style purely. General balance: “Crac!” is a typically Area-esque effort, not as radically evolving as the preceding album or the follow-up, but essential for the prog collector and convenient for the Area neophyte (either this one or the debut album “Arbeit Macht Frei”).

BLOCCO MENTALE released only one album in 1973 before breaking up.The title "Poa" is Greek for grass,no not that kind of grass! This album is taken up with the subject of the enviroment,hence the title.I can't tell you anything else about the lyrics as they are all in Italian.There are two lead vocalists,although everyone in the band sings.I must admit i'm surprised i'm giving this 4 stars,but it really did grow on me after many listens.Still this is barely 4 stars in my opinion.I'm thankful i have the "Vinyl Magic" release,because as Finnforest points out it has better sound than the "Mellow" issue. "Capita" has a fun intro with sax and drums that give way to a pastoral soundscape with fragile vocals.Lots of flute by the way with some great keyboard work to follow.Passionate vocals 3 minutes in as this gets quite uplifting.Back to that pastoral setting a minute later. "Aria E Mele" features some wonderful piano melodies.Vocals before 2 minutes and some raw sounding guitar.The dissonant sax after 3 1/2 minutes is a nice touch. Two excellent songs to lead off. "Impressioni" opens with a mellotron storm.Nice. Flute follows as mellotron returns,Piano after 1 1/2 minutes as the sound starts to build.Vocals before 3 minutes as it calms right back down.Strummed acoustic guitar then mellotron 4 minutes in.A full sound returns again.Great section 6 minutes in of guitar,drums and sax.The sax and organ are outstanding 7 1/2 minutes in. "Io E Me" is interesting to start with as we get percussion,harmonica,tambourine and strummed guitar.Vocals and a calm 1 1/2 minutes in.It gets fuller with mellotron a minute later.The song becomes a catchy,vocal led tune. "La Nuova Forza" is my favourite track.It is bombastic to begin with then the keys take over.An Eastern sounding soundscape before 2 minutes.Vocals follow.This is actually very psychedelic right here.Excellent vocals after 3 minutes.The mellotron 6 minutes in is amazing.Guitar follows. "Ritorno" is very uptempo to open with pulsating synths.Flute joins in.Piano and calm take over quickly.Vocals 2 minutes in.The tempo picks up again 3 1/2 minutes in.Sax late. "Verde" opens with synths,drums and piano.Nice sound.Flute and vocals arrive as it calms down.The vocals become anthem- like with mellotron to follow. There is a lot here that i like.A very enjoyable listen.

Good one John!!   This is a fun album for Italian fans