(EC)CITAZIONI NEOCLASSISCHE (AS MAURY E I PRONOMI)

This debut-CD sounds as a tribute to the glorious days of the Seventies Italian progrock bands like BANCO, BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO, METAMORFOSI, LE ORME AND IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO. The first composition "Il racconte degli dei" (at about 25 minutes) is divided into seven parts. Part I is build around a compelling climate featuring powerful vocals (a bit melancholical undertone), beautiful piano play, propulsive guitar riffs and a wonderful string sound. I love the tension and dynamics and the final, very sensitive guitar solo. Part II has a fluent rhythm featuring fiery electric guitar work ans slow synthesizer runs and again very inspired vocals. Part III sounds atmospheric but halfway we can enjoy a good build-up and strong guitar solo. Part IV has a bit ominous climate (like KING CRIMSON on "Red") that flows into Part V that delivers a heavy guitar solo with biting runs. Part VI sounds bombastic with a howling guitar, choir-Mellotron, very compelling! The final Part VII contains powerful Hammond organ. Although some parts have a similar climate or are too longwinding, in general this composition sounds warm and pleasant. The second track "Lei e Venezia" (12.02) has strong classical overtones featuring piano, violin and orchestral keyboards. Gradually the climate becomes more bombastic with strong Italian vocals and sensitive electric guitar and halfway the atmosphere erupts with propulsive guitar riffs, synthesizer flights and a great build-up guitar solo with lush strings and powerful vocals. The third song "Voglio cambiare" (5.49) is a kind of 'prog 'n' roll: a heavy up-tempo rhythm, a dynamic rhythm-section, strong organ waves and good vocals. The next track "Oceano" (almost 10 minutes) sounds like 'bluesy symphonic rock': a slow rhythm, soaring strings, a lush organ - and fat guitar sound and melancholical vocals. Then we can enjoy a powerful saxophone solo (in the vein of PINK FLOYD), a sensitive guitar and a surprising break with tin-whistle, organ, howling guitar and flute. The final song "L'assenza" is very alternating but showcases also that this band has to mature in compsosing and writing because at some moments it tend to sound too longwinded. But the second part is great, concluded with a wonderful and moving guitar solo. Although Maury E I Pronomi has to work on the compositions, this is a very warm and pleasant tribute to the legendary Italian progrock bands from the Seventies.