IL RISVEGLIO

One of the most frustrating aspects of recent Italian progressive releases is the propensity to dish out one marvel and then disappear into oblivion. The list of such one shot-wonders is endless (Lothlorien, Foglie di Vetro, Floating State, Aufklarung, Minstrel, Secret Cinema, Bondage, Il Trono dei Ricordi, Divae etc.) but that's the way it is in Italian Progland . So here comes another resplendent and unexpected jewel , Cooperativa del Latte with a masterfully evocative series of typical ISP prog , with all the usual condiments: seductive guitar work from Gabriele Benfatto who doubles as singer (and a good one at that), the incredibly active Pierluigi Piccoli on keys , Sergio Contin on bass and drummer/percussor/flutist Claudio Farnetti. The opening salvo showcases all the above members with Piccoli's rousing organ (stealing a few lines from a famed Genesis song) in particular fine form, some exquisite acoustic guitar work exit. The longest piece and perhaps the highlight here, the nearly 10 minute "Contemplazione" is a masterpiece composition that, as the name implies, is an extremely reflective musical reverie that gently breezes through softer moments, buoyed by some fine galloping bass into some sultry waves of string- synthesizer orchestrations, some superb yet brief church organ while the bass bangs away and some ornate Mini-Moog soloing. Very contemplative, to be sure. "Notte Volante" provides initial emphasis on that magical flute, so synonymous with Italian prog, weaving a breathtakingly beautiful melody taken immediately up by Benfatto's gentle voice and then some more upbeat chorus to return to the flute's enchanting ballet. The acoustic guitar adds to the seductive "canzione" aspect, giving this an almost prog-folk touch holding back on the keys as much as possible , but keeping the soloing playful and pleasurable . The next piece unites the fluid piano with the romantic flute, "Il respiro dell'alba", with whispered voices in the background, the ivories evoking melancholia and serenity. Suddenly, vinyl record scratches turn the piece into a somewhat muted and dim prog carousel, as if evoking a distant memory. "Tentazioni" is more upbeat organ fueled poly rhythmic meter changes, burping bass, wailing vocals in a rather angry delivery, the organ raging and the guitar chaperoning through the angst , while drums seem to be chugging along, highly percussive. Benfatto finally cuts loose on electric lead in a rather jazz-rock style, then handing over the spotlight to Piccoli's sensitive piano playing, folding it all into organ and synth patterns that match the overall groove. This is a roller coaster track that has to be heard a few times to really appreciate, loaded with assorted twist, turns and deviations. "Maggio" is flute and what seems as harpsichord (I am a severe sucker for that baroque instrument), too bad its only a minute long. The final composition is another tour de force, featuring wondrous vocals and enchanting flute that morph into an acoustic guitar section and back to the original simplicity. The placid piano intrudes ever so gently into the overall brew, but this is a flute fest like no other, creating an almost festive like feel. The magical music the Italians can create with so little. As usual, our colleague finnforest has expressed the charm of this album perfectly, I wish only to confirm..... A most impressive debut that begs for an encore future release. 4.5 milk cartons