ESSERE O NON ESSERE ?

Il Volo takes the romanticism of Italian symphonic prog, strips out the sometimes overbearing vocals, and blends in the most melodic fusion grooves you could imagine to produce one of the more distinctive albums of the genre. The band's ability to use conventional instruments in odd ways is evident from the first note of "Gente In Amore" and persists throughout. Best of all, it doesn't sound all that dated considering the use of certain period styles.

The main features are the dual keyboards of Vince Tempera and Gabriele Lorenzi which borrow liberally from the earlier classics like Le Orme, but seem to transition more skillfully between themes, particularly in "Medio Oriente 249000 Tutto Compreso" which at times sounds Middle Eastern, particularly in the wordless vocal sections. The only track with any real vocals is "Essere" but it does not really break with the pattern, as the voices are very mellow and unobtrusive, while the instrumental backing is typically lively. "Alcune Scene" is the weakest track, not really taking off until the last quarter and then it's too little too late. In contrast, "Svegliandomi Con Te Alle 6 Del Mattino" and "Canti E Suoni" build on an ambient opening to climax in an inventive stereophonic cacophony, the closer featuring skillfully blended voices.

Few albums blend composition skills, traditional symphonic structures and jazzy improvisation so effectively, giving "Essere no Essere" more than sufficient raison d'etre to these ears.