SEI LACRIME D'AMBRA

Year 2007 has started very well. The second Notabene's album to date is a convincing symphonic effort inspired by the italian prog tradition (Banco del Mutuo Soccorso and Locanda delle Fate mainly) within interesting and distinctive deep vocals provided by Andrea Alberici who reminds somehow the famous singer-songwriter Francesco Guccini.

Over 63 minutes of catching melodies erupting from fine arrengements and based on electric guitar' excellent solos and keyboards marvellous adventures. Bass and drums are also strong and passionate. Generally the sound isn't very varied and complex, tough, only some wonderful mandolin's and flute's excursions apart as in the great track "Sei Lacrime d'Ambra" (7,14 mns). This is my favourite track for the romantic parts alternating with shifting moods and uptempos, the pompous arrengements, the aggressive electric guitar and the mellow accordion.

Another track worthy of special mention is the long "Il Treno di Obuda" (16,05 mns) which starts with evocative recitative vocals and fades into a strong bass'n'drum work reminding me of the Jethro Tull's tune "Paradise Steakhouse". Vocals come then changing the general mood into a more melodic and optimistic feel alternating with instrumental parts that at the 7th minute on becomes beautifully dark. Then a quasi-ethno part with percussions and keyboards' noises introducing another convincing symphonic part that hides, wisely, a touch of jazzy flavour. The only negative remark are the vocals in the last two minutes that are sung in english with strong italian accent.

I still haven't listen to the Notabene's debut. All I can say is that Sei Lacrime d'Ambra deserves its place in the group of the great italian prog records of the recent years.

Let's hope Notabene will continue to add new releases in their discography and to please our exigent ears.