LA TERRA DEI GRANDI OCCHI

Another significant Italian band,who raised in late-80's among others.They werre found in Turin in 1989 (there are rumours that they were a find of Beppe Crovella,former member of ''Arti e Mestieri'') by keyboardist Rinaldo Doro.The band recorded a 4-track demo,before they were joined by singer Massimo Berutti.In 1992 their debut ''La terra dei grandi occhi'' was pressed by Vinyl Magic.

Two things are easily noteable while listening to the album:Firstly,this work is heavily influenced by the Italian likes of the 70's,while it also slips into the heavy prog category in places,supported by the intense vocals of Berutti.Secondly,the album is dominated by the lush keyboard sounds of Doro.Synths and modern keyboard sounds are actually very limited and the album is based on the strong use of the Hammond organ,the flights of the moog,the good piano doses and the analog nostalgia of the mellotron.On the other side,the album includes also a lot of rhythmic heavy prog parts and nice grooves with strong guitar riffs and tight bass/drums,always surrounded by the presence of the organ and the mellotron.Speaking of mellotron,check out one of the most nostalgic short-instrumentals ever,the last track entitled ''Mellotronmania'',filled with tons of memories for the old prog followers.Influenced by both the symphonic (PFM,LE ORME) and the heavy (BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO,IBIS) prog scene of their country,CALLIOPE offered us a work with cool vintage sounds and tight musicianship.An essential album,especially for lovers of the classic Italian prog movement.