BESTIE, UOMINI E DÈI

During the winter 2022-2023 I had a really enthusiastic period aiming at getting better acquainted with Ubi Maior from Milan, which I eventually regarded as one of the most exciting newer names in Italian prog. I listened in chronological order the so far 4 records made by the band. This Bestie uomini e Dèi (2020) one was the last in line in spring and I then thought it was the most difficult to internalize.

This band has rather a unique style, I would say it is slightly more complicated, unpredictable and "twisted" in comparison with many other contemporary and earlier Italian proggers. A particularly important component is Mario Moi's voice and the way he uses it in many instances, it is lively to say the least.

My initial impression of this record was that it somehow totally lacked the easier smoothiness in melodies which allured me in the excellent debut Nostos (2005) and in my other favourite Ubi Maior record Incanti Bio Meccanici (2015). Instead it occasionally felt like too "full-packed" and lacking in breathing space. But after repeated listens I would say this is a decent grower and all the songs - except the instrumental Nessie, which I tend to skip - have at least a few excellent passages and moments. My two favourites of them are probably Wendigo and Fabula Sirenis.