UOMO DI PEZZA

I picked up Uomo Di Pezza based on the praise that this album has received and dived head-first into the music without knowing anything about this release. My tactic, or the lack of such, seemed to pay off since I was hooked from the first sounds of Una Dolcezza Nuova and things got even better towards the end.

Le Orme is definitely as Italian sounding as they come with soft melodic arrangements and lyrics sung in Italian seems almost like a cherry on top. By the time of this release the band had already scaled down to a power trio formation but that didn't mean that they we another ELP clone, in fact there aren't that many similarities between the two. It would actually make as much sense to compare Rush with ELP as it would in Le Orme's case. After putting all those fears aside let's indulge into the music.

The brilliant album opening Una Dolcezza Nuova is just that, starting with an instrumental section that leads into a soft and soothing vocal-dominated part. The contrast between the different sections of this 5+ minute composition feels natural and the transition to the album's hit track seems very well thought through. The ballad Gioco Di Bimba was a domestic success but although the pleasant melody and the 3/4 signature it doesn't appeal to me on any grander scale.

Unfortunately I'm also not a fan of La Porta Chiusa, taking up more than 20% of the album space, at its 7+ minute time span, the composition is just not memorable enough for me. While writing this review I've had the opportunity to hear it twice, not counting any of the precious occasions, but I still can't remember how it sounds. Luckily the album once again shifts into high gear with the almost hypnotic sounds of Figure Di Cartone. This is easily the highpoint of the album with a great combination of melodic vocal delivery, acoustic guitar and percussion work. After this, the rest of Una Dolcezza Nuova finally returns to the quality that was heard on the opening number with Aspettando l'Alba and Alienazione making the best out of each moment that they entail.

So far everything I have heard from Le Orme has been highly appreciated by me and Una Dolcezza Nuova is by no means an exception to the rule. This is almost an essential piece of progressive music limited only by the forgettable La Porta Chiusa and an even better follow up release!

***** star songs: Una Dolcezza Nuova (5:28) Figure Di Cartone (3:48) Aspettando l'Alba (4:43) Alienazione (4:43)

**** star songs: Gioco Di Bimba (2:54) La Porta Chiusa (7:28) Breve Immagine (2:42)