SENZA NOME

Formed in 2003 in the small town of Marino near Rome, Senza Nome were led by guitarist/singer Emanuele De Marzi and keyboardist Stefano Onorati.The original line-up included female singer Giulia Quagliarini, Cristano Ambrogioni on guitars and Fabrizio D'Amore on drums.In 2004 they meet with their long-time bassist Pierfrancesco Portelli and the following year they were joined by guitarist Mirko G. Mazza.Among the line-up changes they released the live demo ''Pensando a non pensare'' in 2005.De Marzi and Onorati even collaborated with Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's keyboardist Vittorio Nocenzi in the ''MusicOrienta'' project.With the addition of drummer Leonardo Bevilacqua in the place of the departing Daniele Cerioni they recorded their self-titled debut, which was released in May 2008.

With full respect to the Classic Italian Prog of the 70's Senza Nome created an album balancing between romantic moments and more bombastic and complex arrangements, obviously influenced by the likes of PFM, BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO and other legendary Italian acts, transforming their vintage style into a contemporary Prog listening full of symphonic colors, Fusion exercises and emotional textures.They remind me of bands like LA MASCHERA DI CERA, PANDORA and CONQUEROR, trying to offer complicated, symphonic instrumentals with heavier overtones next to some more melodious and relaxed textures, drawing influences from Jazz, Classical and Pop Music.A few keyboard parts, especially during the jazzier lines, sound a bit dull, but in general this one sounds as a very well-composed album with enough quirky content to satisfy any fan of the style.Nice and nervous keyboard plays, grandiose, almost cinematic piano themes and lots of interesting guitar parts are displayed in the group's multi-parted arrangements.The shorter pieces have a more accesible approach with lots of sensitive vocals and a more melodic content, the longer ones are walking on the progressive path of the country, featuring acoustic interludes, powerful guitars and intense keyboard executions with plenty of variations in tempos and climates.

The band went on to celebrate the album's release with a party at the famous Roman club Stazione Birra with Rodolfo Maltese as a guest.More line-up shakes occured and in 2010, as Bevilacqua was replaced by female drummer Aurora Di Rocco.Later live performances of the band included lots of acoustic sessions, but a second album is yet to be desired.

Interesting Classic-styled Italian Prog with beautiful melodies, emotional vocals, pompous arrangements and rich instrumental themes.Recommended.