CRISI

List in the catalogue of 70's Italian one-shot bands this prog trio from Rome.Exploit consisted of Carlo Crivelli on keyboards/vocals, Enzo Cutuli on bass/vocals and Aldo Pignanelli on drums.Heavily influenced by bands like E.L.P.,THE NICE and LE ORME they released their sole album ''Crisi'' in 1972 on the tiny CGO label in a limited number of copies, fortunately the album was re-issued by Mellow Records in the 90's.

Like EIK's ''Speglun'' album,this is a complete Dr. Jekyl and Mr.Hyde release with one side dominated by a 20-min. three-part prog suite,while the other contains six very short pop tracks.Speaking about the suite,this one is tightly constructed and built around Crivelli's keyboards with long Hammond organ solos and some great piano throughout,obviously influenced by Baroque Music as LE ORME with also light psychedelic influences like in the case of GLI ALLUMINOGENI or THE NICE,while the vocals are very expressive though not outstanding,a very nice opus overall though a bit dated.The flipside,as mentioned, is totally sacrified to the farewell style of Italian 60's Psychedelic-Pop-Rock with good use of organ and plenty of vocals,decent attempts to say the least but far from the band's opening approach.Four out of the six made it to a couple of singles the same year.

Exploit released another English-sung single in 1973 entitled ''The Green's Man / Hot Mexico Road'' but soon disbanded with no further information about any participation of its members in music groups for the upcoming years.Despite the poppy side of the album,''Crisi'' deserves a warm recommendation for its well-structured and executed side-long suite,while the six short Pop Rock tunes are not bad at all.Another fine Italian obscurity.