ANDARE VIA...

Side C is a band from Verona whose story began around 2006. After their debut EP was released in 2009 some line-up changes saw new drummer Andrea Sbrogiò and new bassist Alessandro Danzi join the existing trio of vocalist Laura Bressan, guitarist Michele Zanotti, and keyboardist Thomas Pessina. They return in 2011 with a new live EP entitled "Andare Via..." which finds an invigorated band with new material (not the songs from their debut EP.)

"Semplice Gioco" is the most lighthearted, slightly crossover number with Bressan cooing to Zanotti's almost Clapton-like rhythm chug. Zanotti and Pessina have some nice solos here and the interplay of the leads with Danzi and Sbrogio is also very natural and rocking. Laura Bressan is one of the few female vocalists I'm aware of on the current RPI scene and she is not one to play it timid. Right out of the gate she is bold and aggressive in the tradition of many RPI singers past. But it is the second track "Tempo di Convenzione" where things get more serious and you can hear the growth in Side C. A nicely unfolding prog rock track features powerful Bressan vocals (love those little gravely snarls she drops here and there, reminds me of Benatar!) over Pessina on the piano here. I like the infusion of piano providing that pastoral loveliness. In the middle section the new guys really raise the jamming level up, some cool sparring that really rocks. Then it turns softer with mellotron (or similar) atmospherics and nice clean electric chord progressions. This track is dreamy and uplifting, very nice. The third track proves the band has the potential to make a great full length at some point as we get another flavor completely. After the more pop-rock first track and the rocking prog second track, "Ultimo Viaggio" provides a bit of avant inspired mischief I love to hear. Beginning with weird sound effects like some carnival madhouse, Pessina sings with a fragile vocal and piano segment before things get nuts. Two all out cacophonies of loud abandon bookend a somewhat haunting section of gentle piano and guitar notes, to very light percussion. The set ends with "Non Sai Più Piangere" combining moments of lovely piano balladry, fantastic synthesizer flourishes, and more wonderful vocals.

It is not easy for prog bands find gigs in Italy I'm told and I hope Side C is able to continue for a long time, and eventually records a full length studio album. This live EP certainly proves they deserve the shot. The new musicians were solid choices and the new material is inspiring. Very enjoyable, bravo Side C! (Look for the new live tracks on their myspace page or write the band if you'd like a CD)

Share this SIDE C review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Finnforest
• Report this review (#552024)
• Buy SIDE C music online with PA partners
• Show all SIDE C MP3/Stream
• Go to SIDE C page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Andare Via... page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SIDE C related discussions