LA COSCIENZA DI ZENO

Well I have to agree with Jim and Chris that this is a grower. I really intended on giving this 3 stars which seems so ridiculous now when I think of it but this one kind of sneaks up on you after a many listens.They are a 6 piece Italian band with four guests helping out with some flute, strings, vocals and accordion.This clocks in at just under 60 minutes which for me is a positive. While this is a new band many of these musicians have played in other bands, in other words these are seasoned pros and it shows.

"Cronovisione" opens with the keyboards, guitar and synths trading off then we get a calm with spoken female words and plenty of atmosphere 2 1/2 minutes in. It picks up with synths again. Piano and drums are prominant too right to the end.

"Gatto Lupesco" is led by piano and reserved vocals early. It turns more powerful after 2 minutes and the vocals speed up too. An instrumental passage follows that is so good. Vocals are back before 6 1/2 minutes as it settles to the end.

"Nei Cerchi Del Legno" has an excellent intro especially after a minute.This is a long instrumental section that lasts until before 9 1/2 minutes when the vocals arrive. Strings late.

"Il Fattore Precipitante" is a vocal track with vocals that will impress you I guarantee it. Such passion and emotion here. I like the heaviness of this one too late.

"Il Basilisco" opens with accordion then the vocals kick in as the accordion continues. "Un Insolito Baratto Alchemico" opens with guitar and the intro sounds great. I like when the flute comes in then the organ before 2 1/2 minutes. It settles with piano after 4 minutes with acoustic guitar and flute. Check out the drumming before 6 minutes.

"Acustica Felina" is orchestral sounding early then the drums come in before 1 1/2 minutes,then vocals. It's orchestral again after 2 1/2 minutes as contrasts continue. It does settle with almost spoken vocals around 6 minutes. It stays laid back to the end.

A very proggy album in the RPI tradition, only this is modern sounding. A solid 4 stars.