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Area - Crac ! CD (album) cover

CRAC !

Area

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

4.24 | 417 ratings

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Prognut
Prog Reviewer
5 stars Well!!!.... Somehow, I will try to review this album; which by the way IMHO is the most spectacular GEM found in the fusion-rock-experimental genre!!..

I would try to direct my review, not to the savvy proghead but instead, to the newcomer prog fan that wants to check out AREA for the first time... First, let me tell you a couple of things in general. I do not have any problems in recommending any of Area albums where Demetrio Stratos was involved. Second, when you talk about Fusion in general, you should understand that is basically an acquired taste. And, once you dig into it and surpass this phase this music becomes very rich and uplifting for the spirit!!! You will need several spins and bands to get a grip of Fusion; for me, that was the case.... when I hear AREA for the first time. Just blow me away, did not get it and I even put away the album for a while, until I got more taste for fusion and listen to more accessible bands...I may recommend Deus Ex-Machina (Cinque) first!!! So, do not give up with your first spin...or, with the first album, because by the way all of them sound different in a way...but, this is the album to own if you are new to AREA. Band Instrumentation is provided by guitar, bass, drums and keys with also the use of bass clarinet, trombone and flute. Two words define AREA: Complex and Wild!!!!...Demetrio Stratos has one of the most interesting, to say the least, voices in progressive rock...He die many years ago, but we are fortunate enough to still enjoy his stunning vocals! I quote this from other sources (Gibraltar Encyclopedia...) Demetrio overlap voice is very intercate..He howls, whines, growls, laughs, moans, and yodels and sometimes-even sing!!!! I agree 100%.

I have to say also, that IMO AREA placed Demetrio's voice as other Instrument rather than just the vocal itself.... Magnificent!!! You cannot compare these guys with anybody else, because, really nobody was making music like them...Superb!!! In conclusion... five guys making a high-energetic and very complex, wild Jazz-Fusion-Rock-Experimental type of music. Recommended also for all those symphonic prognuts that will like to have a little bit of spice in their music!!!

This album is a Classic in its Genre, and should be part of every serious progressive music collection! And, coming from somebody like me (not a hard core fan of fusion) will not be consider an overstatement...5 Stars! Highly Recommended.

Prognut | 5/5 |

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