IO UOMO

One of the more obscure albums of the Italian prog era, Ricordi d'Infanzia released their one and only album in 1973. No information was included on the sleeve, including the band name, which only appears on the spine of the LP. The only names mentioned are in the song credits which are all by (Sica-Budano), who are not band members-perhaps pseudonyms. The original gatefold lp had the lyrics and a photo of the band on the inner.

The music is Italian flavored British hard prog. Other reviewers have mentioned Atomic Rooster, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple-these are all good reference points as they sound heavily influenced by bands of their era when they were the even more obscure Gli Aspidi in 1970. They do retain a distinctive Italian approach that seems perhaps more calculated by the label than a genuine passion for the new full prog music sweeping Italy in 1973. (it was common for Italian labels to have late 60's musicians play under pseudonyms and throw the same guys with varying fake names into a few different bands to see what generated interest).

Side one is more pedestrian and the better stuff resides on side two. Highlights for Italian prog fans would be 2000 Anni Dopo on side 2, a jarring blend of staccato VDGG riffing with Museo Rosenbach complexities. Following song Uomo Mangia Uomo continues the VDGG vibe Not all that briliant or original, but for these two songs alone, any RPI fan should check in.

Rather spartan in the Italian vinyl non gatefold reissue from 1991 by Fonit Cetra printed for Si Wan in South Korea, I wish I had the gatefold for the full experience. All versions though do suffer from spotty recording quality and sound a bit muffled.

Three stars