N.T. ATOMIC SYSTEM [AKA: UNA NOTTE SUL MONTE CALVO]

After finally releasing a better album in "UT" the Trolls did what many Italian bands seemed to do after artistic success: they split. The two guitarists in the band were not seeing eye to eye on the band's sound. Nico Di Palo went on to form Ibis while Vittorio De Scalzi formed a new version of the Trolls and made this album. "La Nuova" begins well with a good keys section by Rosset followed by flutes and a cool, dreamy vocal harmony part. Then some violin comes in along with the verses followed by more cool key parts welling up, as the drums get more intricate. Good song progression. In the last minute comes an interesting and cleanly played electric solo that sticks out for not being as juvenile as some of the lead guitar on Concerto and Searching. Another highlight is "Quando l'erbe vestiv la terra" again featuring some amazing piano and keyboard work throughout and a long but pleasant build-up to some good guitar work about midway through. There is an awful ending of ear-piercing sax that is really dreadful though, watch out for that. Much of what falls between the high points still strikes me as average and occasionally yawn-inducing but since there is some improvement here I am rounding this up to 3 stars. A mild recommendation for seasoned Italian fans only, those who have already heard all the great bands.