LA TORRE DELL'ALCHIMISTA

When you listen to the opening number (but not only), the sound of ELP fully surrounds you. Maybe this is something one wouldn't expect from an Italian band but I have to say that it sounds really pleasant. These keys are superb, but it will be so during the whole of this album. A true symphonic one (just a bit jazzy during "Acquario").

But it is not only Michele who is great; all the other band members are on par. Very nice fluting, complex drumming, strong bass and good vocals. Another highlight in the genre (fluting I mean in the great "Delirio").

The whole of this album is a great return back to the middle seventies and the golden age of the Italian genre. What a nice journey back in these great days (IMO). The highlight might well be the gorgeous title track. If ever there were one brilliant song out of this album, it is definitely this one. Emotion, passion, skills. Anything else you want?

Passionate vocals are the major trump of this album. So convincing even if you don't grab a single word out of it. I guess that this is the difference between average and great vocals.The Tull influence is of course not to be ignored ("L'Apprendista"). Same skills. Same powerful and great music. A highlight, no doubt. A real gem of this genre (and that's very difficult to achieve).

This album is such a fine to listen to than each of the track can be considered as (almost) a jewel. The album is of course fully dominated by Mutti Michele : a real maestro this guy. The dominating parts are vocals and keyboards. If ever you would be a fan of delicate vocals (as I am) combined with sophisticated, powerful, bombastic keys: this is probably a combination you would just love. As I do.

And how couldn't you be in love with such a track as "I Figli Della Mezzanotte". Such a magical combination of incredible vocals and subtle, though jazzy oriented instrumental parts.

Lots of nice and melodic passages, short format songs for the majority (except "Acquario" ) which gives the sensation of a extremely varied and sophisticated album. In this respect, a song like "Lo Gnomo" is fully representative of their whole style. Another highlight. One more. Complex, upbeat and these keys.so magical. Great fluting as well. A jewel.

This is a very good debut album. Four stars.