UOMO DI PEZZA

Le Orme is considered one of the big three of Italian Progressive Rock along with Banco and PFM, and not unlike these two, the band plays a very unique style of music that has elements of symphonic, jazz, and the melodic leanings of pop music to form a truly eclectic experience. A continuation of the sound established on their first couple albums, Uomo Di Pezza is probably the band's first essential album and has its fair share of exciting, dramatic, and beautiful moments alike.

The general sound is similar to the previous two, which is best stated as a combination of PFM, Banco, and ELP. The keyboard is the dominant instrument, along with drums high in the mix. Each song offers something unique as there is nothing really weak. There are some highs and lows, but overall the musical journey is fairly consistent from beginning to end, albeit a rather short one at only 32 minutes. Nonetheless, the variety of songs is fantastic; straight up bombastic prog can be heard in most songs, especially the lengthier 'La Porta Chiusa,' but they have no problem with slowing down in parts, and have their fair share of melodic moments, such as in the short but sweet 'Gioco Di Bimba,' or the darker and disconcerting 'Breve Immagine.'

Le Orme certainly hit the mark on this album that wasn't quite reached in their previous. Though not quite as strong as the following album, the strong songwriting with a successful intertwining of melody, atmosphere, and progressive intensity makes this one of Italy's better offerings.

7/10