DÉNTROKIRTÒS

From the beautiful city of Bologna comes this Italian trio,formed in 1998.Initially Akt functioned as a quartet or even a quintet with additional members on drums,trumpet and keyboards,but since 2000 the three stable members are guitarist Marco Brucale,bassist Alessandro Malandra and keyboardist Simone Negrini.By the same year they started experimenting with computer sounds like sampled drums and effects to lead the trio to the release of their debut ''Dentrokritos'' in 2007,a free downloadable release straight out of the band's official site.

The sound of the band is an eclectic mix of styles, soundscapes and experimental attitudes,exploring and satisfying a variety of musical tastes,like the opener ''Spazzadiluvi'',which starts off as a mellow piano-based piece to develop into a guitar-driven KING CRIMSON-esque explosion and end with electronic effects all the way.''Elicrisio'' follows a more symphonic vein with expressive multi-vocal parts accompanied by sensitive guitars and the varied keyboard work of Negrini,from the Classical-inspired piano parts to the vibraphone sounds at the end to even some hardly detected harpsichord parts,very much in the romantic style of RANDONE.''Waltz Oblio'' is a more of an eclectic affair like a mix of NOTABENE and PAATOS,modern Italian Prog mixed with some Trip-Hop/Electronic sounds and almost narrative singing,featuring numerous changing moods.''Comete'' is a beautiful, dark and spacey instrumental with a hypnotic groove under keys,bass and guitars but also a grand finale,characterized by its electric explosion.With ''Alcune Margherite Di Legno'' the trio returns into its previous style,Modern prog with dominant piano,even with a jazzy edge,psychedelic guitars and also some mellotron,but additionally with sound effects and distorted vocals.''Le Sette Impressioni Del Fauno Scorpione'' is a quite complicated composition with nice breaks and shifting moods,alternating between Psych/Prog and romantic Italian Prog with some great vocals,excellent and often complex guitars and fantastic background keyboards,possibly the best cut of the album.A good band knows the right way to close the album and Akt are definitely a good band.''Abbandonia'' is another soft trippy experience,where a hypnotic guitar is accompanied by spacey synthesizers,creating a dreamy New-Age atmosphere.

A nice entry in the world of progressive music.Modern,versatile prog with touches of the modern technology at moments,but blended in a majestic way.For fans of new discoveries,this one comes strongly recommended.Akt are certainly a band to keep an eye on...3.5 stars.