MARCO POLO - SOGNI E VIAGGI

This is the big come back album for LATTE E MIELE released in 2009. There seems to be quite a few Italian bands who have reformed and recorded albums the last few years and for me it's been a hit and miss affair.This would be a miss. Honestly I just don't think this compares to their first two albums at all. I have struggled through this album every single time i've heard it. It's just not my style with the orchestration and at times "musical" vibe both of which are usually turn offs in my world. A matter of taste of course.

"San Marco" has a powerful intro with organ that I like then the guitar takes the lead as it blends into "Carnival" as the instrumental music continues. A calm with violin arrives before 2 1/2 minutes.

"Il Sogno" is upbeat with keys as the vocals arrive for the first time on the album. Backing vocals and operatic vocals don't do much for me here. "Via Siva" has these light keys and fragile vocals. Disney World is coming to mind.

"Crochti" is led by piano before 1 1/2 minutes as it settles.Vocals are back before 3 minutes then it kicks in after 4 minutes. A calm after 6 minutes then the vocals return before it kicks back in late.

"Il Deserto Del Gobi" has an exotic flavour to it early on. It picks up 2 minutes in and vocals follow. "Il Matri Mono Dei Bimbi Nel Vento" is mellow with reserved vocals, strings and more.

"Pechino" builds slowly then it kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes with the guitar leading. It settles with vocals a minute later then it picks back up when the vocals stop. "Kubilai Kan" has guitar and an orchestral section that will come and go.

"L'ultimo Unicorno" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in.It does get fuller. Not a fan. "La battaglia Di Curtolo" has these marching styled drums to start with keyboards that build. Guitar and drums before a minute. Nice. Best section of the album right here along with the album's intro. The tempo will change throughout.

"La Prigione" opens with piano and strings as reserved vocals join in. It picks up after 2 minutes with guitar. Not a fan of this as it's a little too sweet.

"Sogno Incrociato" has a classical vibe with vocals. Not a fan. "Ritorno A San Marco" ends it with a good instrumental.

A low 3 stars for me.