PICCHIO DAL POZZO

PICCHIO DAL POZZO sound at times like the Italian version of SOFT MACHINE. And so it's not surprising that they dedicate this album to Robert Wyatt. For the most part we have slow moving songs with spacey synths and various sounds coming and going. One look at the album cover and you know these guys have a sense of humour. ZAPPA is a definite reference point and perhaps GONG. Not much in the way of vocals although there are lots of vocal melodies (male and female) and some strange ones at that, including somebody gargling. Animal noises can be heard at one point too. I guess you could say this is zany Canterbury music with a psychedelic vibe.These guys can sure play though and xylophone, flute, sax, acoustic guitar, piano, light drums and synths lead the way. The keyboard player is the key to the band's sound and he is also the brother to the great guitarist for NEW TROLLS.

"Seppia" is my favourite song on this album and it stands out because it's so different from the rest. It has a heavier sound and the xylophone playing from Mr.Perrino (CELESTE) is outstanding ! The male / female vocal melodies seems to answer the instrumental outbreaks. The cymbals clashing, flute and synths all add to this unique song. I like "Off" as well with the nice piano melodies to open that are joined by the flute and eventually vocal melodies again. "Napier" opens with flute and is very pastoral but not for long as various instruments come crashing in. There is actually singing on this one.

The first three minutes of "La Floricoltura Di Tschincinnata" are good with a nice full sound before we get back to the experimental sounds again. "La Bolla" is another favourite of mine. Female vocal melodies to open in this slow paced song with spacey sounds. Some good sax from another member of CELESTE who is guesting on this record. "Merta" opens with guitar melodies and what sounds like chimes. Vocal melodies follow then sax. Great sounding tune. So is "Cocomelastico" with the sax early then we can hear this party going on as electric piano plays on with bass and drums. Nice.

Just a killer album from these Italians who have their own take on the Canterbury genre and it's very refreshing.