DIO DIO MIO, CHE COSA ABBIAMO FATTO

4.5 stars. This is one of the most interesting albums i've heard for a while. It's dark and a little schizoid at times but I find it so uplifting for reasons i'm not able to express. I did think this was a seventies release when I first heard it and so yes I was surprised to find out this was released in 2003.You can read Jim's review for to understand what this album is about lyrically. Since the vocals are in Italian my focus is completely on the music.

"Antro" opens with gentle acoustic guitar then it starts to build 1 1/2 minutes in. It's still slowly building as we get vocal melodies before 4 minutes then spoken vocals. Bass and drums start to lead. Strummed guitar ends it. "Il Babau" opens with percussion and a dark mood. It's heavier a minute in with drums and guitar while the vocals follow.That intro soundscape is back after 5 minutes with people whispering in the background this time. It then kicks in hard after 6 minutes. Nice. "Coda" opens with laid back guitar as loud percussion sounds come in. Whispered vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. It turns a litle chaotic a minute later. We then get a calm with organ and solemn vocals.

"I Maledetti Cretini" is pleasant to start with guitar, percussion and cymbals. Drums and bass after a minute then vocals as it turns darker. It kicks in after 2 minutes with theatrical vocals. I like the low end sounds. Intense stuff until before 6 minutes when it calms back down. "Quella Di Vincenzo" features acoustic guitar and deep bass lines early then the piano joins in followed by reserved vocals.The vocals become higher pitched 2 minutes in. This is so good as contrasts are continued. My fav track. "Awiamento Con Resistenze Rotoriche" starts with percussion, guitar and drums. Whispered vocals before 2 minutes. It turns heavy and abrasive 2 1/2 minutes in. The tempo picks up 4 minutes in. Great sound ! It picks up even more 4 1/2 minutes in including the vocals. What a great way to end the album.

A must for the adventerous who like music on the darker side. This is brilliant ! Thanks Todd