AZETIUM A OTTO PISTE

Interesting Progressive Rock band from Rutigliano in the Puglia region.Architrave Indipendente's driving force was their love for 70's Italian Prog, leading to their formation in mid-00's with a line-up of two multi-instrumentalists, Oscar Larizza and Emanuele Palumbo, along with guitarist Stefano Renna, cellist Alessandro Mazzacane and drummer Piero Palumbo.Their debut ''Azetium a otto piste'' was entirely recorded in analog equipment and was only released on vinyl format in 2009.Only a very limited number of CD-R's was also distributed by the band for those more into modern sound technologies.

Architrave Indipendente played an intricate Progressive Rock with a bizarre musicianship, that could be both smooth and rich at the same time.The instrumentation is huge, including glockenspiels, flutes, recorders, cello, percussions and a spectrum of vintage keyboards among the usual rock instruments.Thus the result is very eclectic with the group using the 70's as a source of inspiration and managing to create a fresh album, despite the strong presence of analog equipment.Their style recalls diverse bands of the Italian Prog movement, such as E.A. POE, SALIS, IL VOLO, PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI or ERRATA CORRIGE, groups that produced a very chalenging sound through balanced and smooth arrangements.There are constant changes between folky acoustic textures with violin and flutes in evidence and electric moves with deep keyboards and evident Classical and Jazz influences.The material is very satisfying, ranging from calm soundscapes with jazzy and symphonic parts, led by piano interludes and various keyboards to more energetic showering, full of electrified atmospheres, characterized by its sharp synth flights and heavy organ waves.Moreover the album contains two long pieces, each divided in three movements, the 18-min. ''Emplecton'' and the 16-min. ''Azezio'', definitely a prog fan's paradise, where the group's talent comes in full shape, cleverly combining Classic Italian Prog with Folk and Jazz.

I am afraid this was the first and last album of the band.A little internet search reveals the fact that one of the band's leaders, Emanuele Palumbo, has moved on with his music studies, experiencing new forms of music and having relocated in Milan.

''Azetium a otto piste'' is destined to become an obscure album in the near furure due to its original vinyl pressing.A must-have for fans of Italian Prog and a nice example of challenging, flexible, multi-influenced Progressive Rock.Warmly recommended.