DUE

Four years after the very good ''Uno punto sei'' H2O returned with their sophomore effort simply entitled ''Due'' on Kaliphonia.The trio of Andreotti, Malaguzzi and Prandi wrote another album, using the same formula as on the previous one, five long and semi-long tracks, clocking at 50 minutes as a whole and featuring again Lino Prencipe on drums.

This time though the band chose to abandon the Italian lyrics and create compositions exclusively written with English lyrics, thus having a stronger GENESIS influence than links with the Italian school of Prog and another reason is the district GABRIEL-esque color of Luca Prandi's voice.However the quality of the material has not changed or dropped a bit.Melodic Symphonic Progressive Rock as performed by GENESIS or PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI with alternation between multi-layered passages and soft sensitive musicianship.The vocal moments charactertize the more emotional side of H2O: music passages filled with delicate piano, soft HACKETT-like electric touches and romantic non-accented vocal delivery.As aforementioned these are combined with some trully complex, mainly-keyboard-driven instrumental excursions with occasional breaks and a strong amount of interplays.Prandi's keyboard parts are extremely inspired ranging from TONY BANKS-like solos to bombastic symphonic themes.Malaguzzi's guitars come close.Very good solos under a slightly distorted sound and also some good heavier riffs.All tracks are extremely tight, melodic and captivating with an emphasis on the symphonic side of Progressive Rock.

Unfortunately nothing has been heard around this talented trio since this release and it seems that the band dissolved silently as it appeared in early-90's.''Due'' is another fine album by this good Italian group, strongly recommended to all lovers of Symphonic Rock and Italian Prog...3.5 stars.