FOGLIE DI VETRO

It is now a trade mark for the Italian genre: one band, one album! And yet again, a very good work from this band form the nineties although it sounds as if this album was recorded some twenty years earlier.

Influences are the great Italian dinosaurs at times combined with a Crimson (from the early days) light touch. Vocals are as usual a good asset: melodic and in perfect conjunction with the beautiful music displayed. Symphonic, acoustic but also powerful from time to time (when the guitar soars like during "Prendi La Mia Anima").

The long title track is another musical jewel: complex and diverse, it introduces the sax play on this album. Not the powerful play à la Jackson, but a more symphonic one which is à l'unisson with the delicate keys and guitar. This song is full of tenderness (as most of this album actually). A highlight.

Pastoral and intimate feel for the light "Immagini" contrasts with the mighty "Ars Nova" which leans more on "Hogweed" or "The Knife" in terms of power. Solid electric guitar attack in the instrumental intro and very present bass play after this. It offers another facet of their talents even if the band returns to a more conventional and symphonic style (good saw as well to close) later in the song.

One of the most romantic pieces from this offering is the very melodic and peaceful "Io ? Partir". All the beauty of the acoustic guitar, flute and sweet but firm vocals are included in this enjoyable song. Quite well achieved my prog friends!

Some medieval theme with Merlin The Wizard ("Mago Merlino") offers again an excellent combination of acoustic passages (to start) which evolve into splendid and strong guitar work for an explosive finale. This is a very good album which I rate with four stars. To Italian symph lovers (but not only), this album is highly recommended.