LA TORRE DELL'ALCHIMISTA

After reading the hype surrounding this new release, I decided to buy a copy. LATORRE DELL'ALCHIMISTA have received alot of favorable reviews from the underground press, and they just recently played an East Coast Prog festival in 2002. But after the first spin, the music didn't really sound that impressive. My first impression was that although the musicians were top-notch, the themes and vocals were average compared to the classic Italian prog bands that they were being compared to. After repeated plays, though, something strange started to occur. The album quickly started to reveal its beauty, and after a good half-dozen plays I was hooked. All of the tracks here average 6 minutes each, and feature a group of musicians who are determined to keep the 1970s Italian prog movement alive. Although the music here rarely apes groups like BANCO, LOCANDA DELLE FATE, PFM, MO.DO., and Festa Mobile their influence is noticeable. I also hear hints of ÄNGLAGARD, BUBU, and even BACAMARTE during some of the instrumental sections. TDA's music is in the symphonic prog style. Most tracks feature playfully melodic interaction between hammond organ, Moog synth, flutes, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums. Vocals are present on 8 of the 9 tracks. And as unimpressive as the vocalist sounds at first, I quickly grew to like his voice and melodic style, although there is a 6-minute track entitled "Il Volo" which still sunk in. TDA managed to live up, somewhat, to the hype. If you do decide to check out TDA, keep in mind that they are not that impressive at first, though Italian progressive rock fans will find the music impressive.