L'ENIGMA DELLA VITA

LogoS are new to me, having been approached by the band to write a review of their latest album "L'enigma della vita", released in the spring of 2014. They have been creating music since 1996, and this most recent album took them 13 years to write and record. Some of the group's favorite bands are Genesis, King Crimson, Le Orme, and Banco, and it shows in their quite capable music of their own. The following is a breakdown, track by track, of L'enigma della vita, with some of my observations.

"Antifona"-This album intro is kind of spacey and dark, with a kind of foreboding vibe to it, and it grabs your attention right away.

"Venivo da un lungo sonno"-Now, when the drums and bass fully kick in, the band are playing tight, but full of feeling-the developing keys and guitar are layered in an almost architectural fashion. The vocals on this sort of remind of Latte e Miele's Marcello della Casa, a definite compliment, as he is a great vocalist! This song is great travelling music; there is great guitar and keys playing, with the guitar especially soaring to lofty heights.

"In fuga"-This starts in a laid back fashion, with keys playing full of feeling. The band all show their love for old school classic Italian progressive rock, but have a refreshing and bright take on it, as well. Both guitar and keys are given free reign to express themselves.

"All fine dell'ultimo"-This starts off a little more straightforward, and there are more vocals here, but things progress along to become more, great, "travelling music". There is some great, intricate bass work, with some nice synths in the last three minutes.

"N.a.s."-This starts with a strong beat, an almost Rush like intensity with both guitars and synths doing some inventive things-things are quite lyrical and powerfull. As the song progresses, there is some great guitar soloing, with the drummer creating quite the wall of sound, then there being some eloquent synth work-nice.

"L'enigma della vita"-There is great bass rhythm as the song progresses and unfolds-also some super vocals and beautiful synth work with some quirky time changes that are well played. At the end is a rising crescendo-perfect!

"In principio"-A lovely and beautiful intro with keys and acoustic guitar and vocals with so much feeling! This is my favorite track.It has some absolutely top notch keys work from the two players, with things evolving into a real Italian 70s prog rock vibe which is super nice. The different layers of sound creat quite a musical synergy which is quite remarkable. 8 minutes into things, the guitar really lets loose with some great drum work as well in the mix. Then things slow down, kind of atmospheric-cool!

"Completamente estranei"-A beautiful keys intro, and then bass and drums create a somewhat choppy but sustainable rhythm. Then there are some vocals in an almost Le Orme fashion. This song really travels! Lovely synth and guitar work throughout.

"In quale luogo si fermo il mio tempo"-This is a beautiful and eloquent piece for solo piano-reminiscent of Le Orme in a way.

"Pioggia in campagna"- Starting off with a rising march, there is a nice section for vocals with the rest of the band playing with their hearts open. Some great guitar and piano work throughout, spiced up with some well done organ work in between things, then ending with some great synths reminiscent of early solo Steve Hackett's band.

"Il rumore dell'aria"-A song with dripping water, and spoken word! And like the album's beginning, a kind of sinister foreboding.

I give them four stars, this album is an excellent addition!