DÉNTROKIRTÒS

Akt's latest album Dentrokirtos is without question one of the most imaginative experimental progressive rock albums I've heard in the last few years. If I ever question why I spend so much of my time mining cyberspace for the latest cool music, discovering an album like this is easy justification. Akt has had various incarnations since their birth in Bologna a decade ago but now consists of Marco Brucale (guitars, sampling), Alessandro Malandra (bass guitar, sampling), and Simone Negrini (keyboards, sampling, drums.) Since 2000 the band says they have "used computers very successfully to aid composition and experimentation and that from a kind of music that may be defined as progressive rock, it turns to a sound which is always rock but contaminated by an electronic and unusual tone colour."

Where to begin in describing this unique sound? A musical puzzle of sorts combining futuristic and adventurous composition that at different times may remind you of No-Man, Gourishankar, 90s Crimson, Gentle Giant, perhaps Portishead, and of course some Italian Prog influence. I would prefer them to the artists I list because they are more lively and original than No-Man, more subtle and musically wise than Gourishankar, and a hell of a lot more fun than many titles in the Crimson catalogue. What Akt does so successfully is marry an anything goes musical attitude with the melody and cohesion lost on other bands who have attempted a Jackson Pollock in the studio. Akt have managed to insert some memorable melody into their controlled mayhem that brings you back and sucks you in. They balance some strong Crimson-esque rock basics like bubbling bass, frenetic electric guitars, and tight drumming with exotic sounds and effective electronica. The kiss of Italian flair for me comes courtesy of gorgeous piano runs and the vocals which in a few spots have an absurdist streak proudly displayed. The piano (and occasional acoustic guitar) in particular lend a soothing and grounding feel to the more eclectic instrumental sections. Each track is something of a mini-adventure where you can expect loads of surprises. One of my favorite moments is the exhilarating lead guitar work in the latter half of Alcune Margherite di Legno. There are other strange moments that sound like the accordian polkas my father used to play, in the next moment will be a Karfagen-like new-agey section, then back to a stunning rock climax or a bizarre gibberish vocal oddity. I have too many favorite moments here to list them. The beautiful closer Abbandonia was a brilliant choice in the way it brings you back to yourself after walking these challenging paths with Akt - reminds me of one of the quieter space moments of Djam Karet. From the band's website: "Déntrokirtòs songs are the conscious attempt to describe this world which is visible but not immediately observed; the isle does not exist but it's real just like the sea that bounds it and the shade of the plateau, the rivers and the trees, as an ideal counterpoint to the earth's geography. So Déntrokirtòs is absolutely possible as an island, but it does not exist because of an unknown accident."

This self-produced gem of an album is available via free download from the band's website and they insist that their art is to be shared and spread without charge, to be a catalyst for an exchange of ideas and forward-thinking. The quality booklet cover art captures optimism in the form of a future world that still has natural beauty. I highly recommend this album to all fans of modern progressive rock who wish to hear but one piece of the future potential of music. Akt proves that prog rock's best days are not necessarily behind her. Had I known about the album back in '07 it may well have made my end of year best list. A hugely fulfilling piece of modern music with a twist of the avant-garde. 8/10

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