CINQUE

It just doesn't get better than this. Hard to believe that an album this addictive and seductive can appear in 2002. It hints at the sounds of many bands (Area, Banco, Gentle Giant, Deep Purple, Return to Forever), while retaining enough originality to not be derivative. All the players are stunning virtuosos, except the bass player who, though competent enough, seems to just be along for the ride. The vocalist is a monster, and seems to combine the operatic values of Banco's singer with the gymnastics of Area's late lamented Stratos. The guitarist and keyboard player are up there with the best of them. Cinque really took me by surprise. This is a solid 5-star in any company, there are no two ways about it.