REALE ACCADEMIA DI MUSICA

The wonderful Italian genre has left us so many great albums from the early seventies. Unfortunately, at the time it was very difficult to get these works outside from Italy, and the young prog lover I was back then could only cope with some English versions of great albums (PFM and alike).

It is with a lot of nostalgia that I discovered this album. And actually, it is better late than never.

If ever you would like to listen to brilliant vocals, this record is for you. If ever you would like to listen to some skilled piano parts: this album is for you. If ever you would like to listen to some great and little known band: I can only recommend this album.

Il Mattino, the second track from this album is an absolute jewel: it is an upbeat track which pays a great tribute to each band members but piano is the highlight. The fantastic bass/drum are just incredible as well. This is a huge number which combines heavy parts with the most symphonic ones. These do belong to the closing part and those very soft vocals from the excellent Henryk are a superb complement to this fantastic track.

At the time of Ognuno Sa, I just wondered if the forefront piano was a production problem or if it was really intentional to have it featured so loud in each track. Just too much IMHHO.

My favourite song from this album is Padre. It starts as a heavy rock song but after this instrumental intro, a sublime vocal section just overshadows this song (and probably the album). It is so magnificent and persuasive. In terms of vocals it reminds me of the great Franceso DiGiacomo as a point of comparison.

This track is simply a masterpiece: a wonderful symbiosis between the lead vocalist and his band. The bombastic guitar play is not alien to this feeling. A highlight. In terms of great guitar, I highly recommend Lavoro in Citta as well. It is another romantic song which synthesizes the music form this band very accurately although it ends up in an awkward and jazzy mood.

The darkest and heaviest song is the great closing Vertigine. Huge organ wall of sound and powerful vocals are such a perfect introduction; but the whole song is built on strong instrumentals. Even if I feel that the band is mostly improvising in here. Still, it remains a fine composition.

I have been more impressed with several other Italian bands, but this album remains a good way to investigate more into the genre. RADM is not an essential band, but it surely deserves your attention.

Seven out of ten for this album, rounded up to four stars.