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Calliope - La Terra dei Grandi Occhi  CD (album) cover

LA TERRA DEI GRANDI OCCHI

Calliope

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

3.52 | 34 ratings

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Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars From day one - that is, since their debut album's release - Calliope made their statement quite clear: their mission was to revamp the energetic hard prog sound pioneered by Alphataurus, Il Rovescio della Medaglia and Biblietto per l'Inferno, and recycle it with a modern sounding twist. This is what the repertoire of 'La Terra dei Grandi Occhi' is all about. Rinaldo Doro's vintage arsenal (including Hammond, Moog, mellotron and Solina) is used prominently in order to reconstruct the 70s spirit, while the guitar riffs and solid rhythm section remain the purveyors of the modern touch. The overall performances are ballsy, delivering the attractive compositions with both skill and attitude. The opening namesake track is really fiery and magnificent, with the following one 'Non Ci Credo Pił' almost equalling it in terms of energy and catchiness. 'Lunaria' seta a renaissance-like melody line wit hexquisite grandeur. The next two tracks are a bit simpler in comparison to the first two, yet they keep the same intensity. Tracks 6 and 7 are closer to the patterns of the so-called neoprog sound: the melodic aspect is more developed than the expression of rocky strength, creating in this way a more "sentimental" mood and a more accesible sound. Maybe these tracks should have been located somewhere in the middle, since they seem to break down any chance of effective climax that any of the strong tracks would undoubtedly have provided in their place. The 1 1/2 minute closing instrumental 'Mellotronmania' is, as the title suggests, a multilayered sequence of varied mellotron sources (strings, woodwind, choir, brass) - an effective closure for all mellotron fans to enjoy. Generally speaking, 'La Terra dei Grandi Occhi' is a great work, a recommendable asset in any good prog collection.
Cesar Inca | 3/5 |

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