LA TORRE DELL'ALCHIMISTA

Don't let the title of La Torre Dell'Alchimista's second album (Neo) fool you - this is no neo-prog group, but a symphonic prog-inspired RPI band creating music in the tradition of their forefathers in the golden age of Italian prog. Thanks to Ceraolo Silva's presence on flute, there's plenty of influence from the prettier and more pastoral end of the RPI spectrum, as occupied by bands such as PFM and Locanda Delle Fate, whilst Mutti Michele's keyboard work is often reminiscent of Keith Emerson, especially when the Hammond organ comes into play.

La Torre's mastery of the technical side of this particular style of progressive rock is impressive and displays an impressive knowledge and appreciation of the Italian scene's history. (Even the ELP influences are more than appropriate, thanks to the role ELP played in popularising important Italian prog acts in the English-speaking world through their Manticore Records releases.) That said, there's a certain extent to which the band rely a little too much on stylistic imitation of earlier waves of prog and they don't seem to bring enough fresh ideas to the table compositionally speaking.

Even though this debut might not be the most original album out there, it should warm the hearts of most RPI and symphonic prog fans and is at least worth a listen, though don't expect anything that will muscle its way into the top tier of your collection.