IL PAESE DEI BALOCCHI

This was IL PAESE DEI BALOCCHI's only album released in 1972. I must say this one took me by complete surprise. I did notice the comparisons to NEW TROLLS "Concerto Grosso" and RDM's "Contaminazione" which didn't exactly leave me looking forward to this one. I'm not a fan of either of those albums. This though is more Chamber music than orchestral, plus it has a dark, melancholic vibe to it at times. Definitely for the adventerous as they put their own unique twist on that RPI style. Bottom line is that this album blew me away. It's so fresh and different, it's hard to believe it's from 1972. And I agree completely with Finnforest's review and his title "A masterpiece in daydreams".

"Il Trionfo Dell'egoismo, Della Violenza, Della Presunazione E Dell'infifferenta" is drum and organ led to start with. This is quite aggressive. Then violins take over before a minute eventually turning into a Classical sounding piece. "Impotenza Dell'umilta Della Rassegnazione" opens with faint sounds that come and go. It kicks in after a minute. Very cool. It settles again then we get drums and a full sound before 2 minutes. Nice organ too. It settles again with more organ. Vocal melodies and organ start to build then it changes again. Kicks back in with some nasty organ and guitar. How good is this ! "Canzone Della Sperenza" opens with acoustic guitar as vocal melodies join in. Strings after a minute. Vocals for the first time on the album are reserved.

"Evasione" has this grey, melancholic intro before it starts to build. It settles, then drums and some atmosphere arrive before 2 1/2 minutes. We also get organ, bass and guitar. It's building. This is an amazing soundscape to get lost in (daydreams). The sound changes after 6 minutes as it gets fuller with guitar, drums and vocal melodies standing out to the end of the song. Nice. "Risvaglio E Visione De Paese Dei Balocchi" opens with sax before lots of atmosphere rolls in. It turns to a classical mood after 2 minutes. Organ takes over before 3 1/2 minutes. The drums and keyboards standout early on "Ingresso E Incontro Con I Boloccanti".The guitar is next and it's dark. Vocals late. "Canzone Della Verita" is a short violins piece. "Narcisismo Della Perfezione" is mostly acoustic guitars and vocals. "Verita Dell'intuizione Fantastica" is dark with organ as other sounds come and go quietly until drums and bass take over before 2 1/2 minutes. It's fuller after 3 minutes. Great sound ! Nice guitar and organ. "Ritorno Alla Condizione Umana" ends the album with powerful organ runs.

4.5 stars. A wondrous work.