TOPI O UOMINI

4.5 stars mainly on the excitement that this guitar-driven proto-prog-rock that is developed here. Flea is the second album of this band that recorded three albums with the same line-up but changed names.

Generally Italian bands are not remembered for guitar heroics but in this one and on Garibaldi's Nuda, this is like a guitar overdose but in the positive way. We are not in a typically prog format, although the longer tracks allowing for much musical interplay and the sheer musical abilities from the participants especially the drummer and the guitarist.

Side 1 has a side-long title track that is halfway into a long jam and a prog number including many lengthy but outstanding solos. The feeling is somewhere between Lard Free's debut and Black Sabbath's first two albums and you can feel the almost violent enthusiasm of the guys . It sure feels good. Exhilaration is around the bend....

Side 2 is made from three mid-length tracks, the first of which is probably the most prog in construction and the following one giving on a peek at their calmer/softer side. The final track is a great return towards the opening track and making you regret that this album is so short. The vocals, I would qualify as typically Italian can surprise with this high-powered rock but certainly do not shock: in fact they are fairly appropriate.

As I said above, this album is not that prog in terms of the usual/conventional definitions developed on all sides but is more than linked to it by sheer virtuosity and an almost Ramone-like enthusiasm that makes this album a 70's gem etiquette that should be discovered urgently by all progheads. Exhilarating and almost orgasmic.....