STORIA DI UN MINUTO

A classic of the Italian Progressive Rock movement in the 70s. Rarely I have heard a progressive rock band start so strong in a debut album, especially during that time. This album shows a lot of potential and the musicians being very comfortable with each other. The songs are definitively very progressive at that time, borrowing a bit of influence from bands such as ELP and King Crimson, but it really has its own identity. It sounds a bit pastoral and besides using rock instruments (including the mellotron), it uses the flute and the violin as well. The final result is an elegant, romantic and joyous Italian experience that makes you look back at an earlier time in history.

Talking of elegance and romantic moods, the song that follows the introduction tune Impressioni di Settembre has plenty of it. This is the clear highlight of the album and is my absolute favorite tune to have come from Italy. It begins with very soft acoustic guitars, flutes and some of the best vocals I have ever heard, building up to an unexpected magnificent moog synthesizer motif under an addictive groove. The second verse is a bit different and with drums, and again all of a sudden, some other moog theme appears accompained by an amazing rhythm and gorgeous vocals. The verses appear again for a brief time before the first moog theme comes again and is repeated a few times with different arrangements, including a solo in the background. The last two minutes focuses on vocal harmonies.

The other songs are of consistent quality and don't disappoint. E' Festa is a festive song with constant use of the mellotron and moog synthesizer. The song never lets go and features many time signature changes. Dove Quando is an excellent composition, beginning with elegant guitar and very mellow and timid arrangements (Parte I) and finishing in pure complex Prog fashion, blending classical music, jazz, and rock. (Parte II). La Carroza Di Hans is mostly subtle and low in volume, with nice use of acoustic guitars until a big climax arrives with great use of the violin. the closer Grazie Davvero is a more traditional (Italian) song, with the use of an orchestra, but it keeps changing tempos and themes frequently like any of the songs here.

Overall, Highly recommended to a newbie of Italian Progressive Rock. The vocals are exceptionally good and I would never like to hear them singing another language. The only big problem with this album is the short duration.

1. Introduzione (B+)

2. Impressioni di Settembre (A+)

3. E' Festa (B+)

4. Dove... Quando... (Parte I) (B+)

5. Dove... Quando... (Parte II) (A-)

6. La Carrozza di Hans (B)

7. Grazie Davvero (B-)