PAPILLON

Like the first album this too has a concept to it but apparently only on the opening side long suite this time. ELP's debut came to mind quite often especially with those powerful, upfront vintage keyboards. A strong Classical and Jazz flavour is mixed in with the Prog Rock. I like the fact that their first two albums have split the fan base as to which one is better. I'm not going to say yet which I prefer because it's so close for me but both are definte 4 star albums in my book.

"Papillon" is the almost 20 minute side long suite and it's divided into eight sections. Love the intro with those powerful ELP-like keyboards then it turns mellow on part two as the fragile vocals come in. It kicks back in with drums then turns mellow again with reserved vocals to start part three. It kicks in again as these themes continue with the laid back vocals usually opening a new section then it turns heavier. Check out the slicing violin on part five. An excellent suite and i'm glad I have the italian version as i've heard the English version isn't that great because of the strong accent.

"Divertimenzo" is orchestral-like then it turns jazzy with piano, bass and drums.These contrasts continue.

"Patetica" is divided into three parts and is over 16 1/2 minutes long. Piano only until the drums and organ kick in at 1 1/2 minutes. Piano follows then the organ returns. Part two begins with violin and is quite orchestral sounding.Then the drums and keyboards kick in after 1 1/2 minutes. Nice.The tempo picks up a minute later. Love the drum work before 3 1/2 minutes then it settles into a jazzy mode before 5 minutes. Part three is mellow and the vocals arrive 1 1/2 minutes in then drums.

"Strutture" has such a great sound to it. Jazzy stuff.

Certainly anyone who is seeking to know about RPI needs to check this band out, and you can't go wrong with either of their first two albums.