TERRA

An Italian group from Cremona, that started as a trio under the name M.C. Noon with Andrea Fiorin (bass, synthesizer, vocals), Umberto Schirosi (guitar, vocals) and Luca Galimberti (percussion, loops).After the self-produced album ''Altroquando'' in 2002 with additional member Fausto Brusamolino on flutes/guitars, they changed their name to Mappe Nootiche, a term derived from the book ''Elianto'' of writer Stefano Benni.The group became a constant performer around the Milan area, now with Andrea's brother Mario on additional keyboards, and found a home in the Music Center record label.In 2008, along with the compilation album from the M.C. Noon days ''Le origini'', they released their official debut ''Terra''.

Back in the age of M.C. Noon the original trio played experimental and imrpovised spacey music, that eventually developed into Mappe Nootiche's semi-loose and sonic music soundscapes, a style based mainly on hypnotic grooves, airy piano lines, atmospheric synths and alternating guitars.Unfortunately the majority of ''Terra'' is dedicated to narcotic, deep and almost ambiental textures with loops and synthesizers being the main instruments, lacking the nerve and dynamics of OZRIC TENTACLES, which is one of the group's main influences.Steady, light grooves by the rhythm section and some smooth vocals support a very psychedelic but not really interesting music, that hardly contains any serious variations.Of course there are a few pieces in here with some tremendous energy akin to QUANTUM FANTAY or compatriots ASTRALIS with heavier guitar lines, long, spacey keyboard interludes and finally some changes in the direction of the same track, even having a bit of cinematic grandieur at times.There are also some moments that even the mass of lighter tunes are sensitive and emotional, especially on the lovely piano moves, but these are too few into the chaos of extended, boring minutes.

This is not among the best Space/Prog Rock works around.The absence of serious dynamics, trully memorable, soaring movements or deep inspiration marks it as a good purchase for fans of ambiental and rather Lounge Space Rock, however some potential is definitely indicated among its best parts, enough to at least keep an eye on the band...2.5 stars.