INVASORI

Jim (Finnforest) has pulled another obscure Italian band out of his hat (he has a big hat). This band was so obscure that even serious record collectors didn't know of them until this album was listed in one of Hans Pokora's "Record Collector Dreams" books. The reason they were so unknown was that the Phillips label dropped them along with all their prog bands in 1976. Before that happened though they had just released promo copies of this record with no cover art on it. This is the project of multi-instrumentalist Mauro Paoluzzi, a producer and session musician who is probably most known for producing the two MADRUGADA albums. In fact on their debut he wrote a couple of the tracks and played acoustic guitar on one song. Two of the guys from MADRUGADA return the favour by playing bass and keys on this one. This is a concept album and the first six tracks blend into one another. Mauro's wife sings on this one and she's very good,but we get male vocals as well.

"Invasori" has these female vocal melodies which are haunting as the atmosphere builds. A powerful sound is building before 3 1/2 minutes then it settles to end it as it blends into "Monj". A catchy beat takes over with male vocals.The vocals stop before 4 minutes as the guitar solos over top.Intricate sounds end it as it blends into "Miraggi". It builds with clapping, vocal melodies, guitar and more. Spacey sounds come in late and blend into "Coralio".This is dark and we get female vocal expressions. A beat takes over around a minute with female vocal melodies, flute, guitar and more. It turns spacey and haunting late and blends into "Naufragio". Acoustic guitar takes over as male vocals join in. This reminds me of early FLOYD. Flute only before 2 1/2 minutes to the end as it blends into "Arcipelago".The flute continues then we get piano only 1 1/2 minutes in. A beat, vocal melodies and more join in. It's fuller after 4 minutes with horns. The guitar follows then piano only ends it.

"Bazaar" has some nice crisp drumming as the sax joins in. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in with angular guitar,bass and cymbals. Drums and sax take over again then the guitar replaces the sax 3 minutes in. Vocals are back with the angular guitar, bass and cymbals as themes are repeated. "Xanadu" opens with piano and a beat. Horns before 2 minutes as it picks up. It settles back with drums and piano around 3 minutes followed by a calm. Reserved vocals 4 1/2 minutes in but they stop around 6 minutes for a minute then they come and go. "Piccolo Re" has these sounds that pulse as the drums join in then vocals and piano. Piano, drums and bass lead after 2 minutes. Guitar after 3 1/2 minutes then the vocals return briefly. Some nice guitar before 5 minutes. It turns chaotic late. Cool sound here. "Njama" is the short closer which consists of a heavy atmosphere that hovers and echoes throughout.

It took me a while to appreciate this album but it's interesting enough and there's enough depth to it to keep me coming back for more. Love those spacey sections too.