LOVE HATE ROUND TRIP

2nd album to this excellent Italian group, which claimed to be influence mainly by VDGG, but don't get the wrong impression that this is just a one-band-clone. Most of the 12 tracks are what is called 'epics', very well structured and developed. The few tracks that do not seem to feet exactly to epic definition are full of inventive ideas. Wonderful melodies are all over the place here.

The group is dominated by Michele Epifani, keyboardist, vocalist, lyricist and composer. The keyboard sound he has built is rooted in the late sixties / early seventies sounds. There are great Hammond sounds, and analog, sinusoid electronics from that era. The other group members are very good instrumentalists also, but somehow shaded a little bit (maybe due to the mix). Nevertheless, guitarist Stefano Colombi 'starring' in two tracks: The opener, 'The Skeletal Landscape Of The World', that feature catchy powered guitar riff, and the almost-closer, 'Pendulum Arc', that really rocks out with strong, dissonant guitar riff and guitar solo. In addition this track got some groovy wa-wa effects on keyboards, and overall, a great flow.

Another excellent track is 'La Chambre', with great melody, jumpy bass and guitar, which interplay with each other in a way that reminds me of GENTLE GIANT. Also, there are two splendid organ solos in this track, a-la Jimmy Smith.

One more track, which worth mentioning is 'Ignis Fatuus', which brings fragrances of neo prog. But I must say that albeit it's a very good track, the last 3 minutes jam is completely superfluous.

In addition, there are some sweet rock ballads (in spite of the overall darkness atmosphere) developed very well to more progressive structures, a little bit of Italian pathos here and there, one impressive atonal riff (at 'Deceit') and very few additional effects and instruments, mainly smooth trumpet and howling recorder (at 'Stray Thoughts From a Crossroad'). The tracks quality moves between very well to excellence. No weak tracks here.

I enjoyed very much from this release, and I would like to trace this band in their next releases, that hopefully will come.