TOPI O UOMINI

Very unusual to see a band like this keep the same lineup for three albums but change the name of the band each time. Not necessarily a great marketing idea. The other unusual thing is that each of these 3 albums are very different from one another. Regardless of the behind the scenes stuff this album is a keeper. And thankyou Todd for the recommendation.

"Topi O Uomi" is the side long (over 20 minutes) opening track that does not disappoint. Cymbals to open as guitar joins in. This is very laid back until a minute in when it turns louder and drums and Italian vocals arrive. Nice guitar interlude 3 minutes in. Prominant bass before 4 1/2 minutes as they jam. Vocals are back 6 1/2 minutes in. A ZEPPELIN vibe here. Great sound 8 1/2 minutes in and I love how chunky the bass is.The guitar solos tastefully with vocal melodies before 12 minutes. Nice. It's the bass and drum show after 14 minutes. Vocals are back 15 1/2 mintes in.Harmonica a minute later. Cymbals only after 17 1/2 minutes with some faint whistling before our main theme returns a minute later. Vocals follow. This is great !

"Amazzone A Piedi" is fairly uptempo and heavy. I like the fast paced vocals that come and go.The guitar after 2 minutes starts to light it up. "Sono Un Pesce" opens with vocals and a melancholic mood. Vibes follow. Sax after 3 minutes as we get an instrumental interlude that ends before 5 1/2 minutes. "L'angelo Timido" kicks in quickly and with aggression. I like the vocal style here. This is raw and heavy. Nice bass solo before 3 1/2 minutes. The guitar is back followed by harmonica as the bass continues to dig deep.

This deserves 4 stars in my opinion. Too much here to like. Their next album under the name ETNA would be a Jazz / Fusion album. Go figure ?