NOWHERE

What a lovely and pleasant surprise this is! Italian progressive multi-instrumentalist Carlo Barreca presents his latest work `Nowhere', a wonderful predominantly instrumental stunner full of psychedelic atmospheres, spacey workouts and cosmic journeys. Although many of the tracks are largely indebted to the sound of early 70's Pink Floyd, Carlo has more than enough original ideas for this album to stand on it's own. Making an album that is a loving tribute to that great progressive band without it being a derivative rehash or straight imitation is not as easy as it sounds, but Carlo has done just that. This album also compliments music by modern German Krautrockers Electric Orange, Djam Karet, Gong/Steve Hillage and numerous Mellotron-drenched Italian RPI albums, and anyone who enjoys those sort of artists will find much to enjoy here. It's also beautifully produced, which makes it all sound even better.

Opener `March On Mars' kicks off with aggressive pumping bass, ragged endless David Gilmour- styled epic guitar runs, with repetitive hypnotic organ and super-thick keyboards. `Lotus' drips with early Soft Machine squalling feedback and murky atmosphere that wraps around eerie Mellotron, harsh percussion and floating `Staircase Infinities'-era early Porcupine Tree/Steven Wilson lead guitar. `Flood' has that drowsy `Fat Old Sun' guitar feel, lazy organ and classic Rick Wright- influenced piano with plodding drums, but diverts into Mellotron drenched Daevid Allen/Gong inspired sinister quirkiness with wild and fuzzy Steve Hillage guitar soloing. The haunting `A Deep Breath' is a warm and lovely 'Tron swamped acoustic piece, but drifts towards a sadder and more reflective finale.

The very emotional `Electric Sheep' is a heartfelt piano piece with fuzzy synths humming away under hazy trumpet and flute with a soaring guitar solo to end on. `Last Bus Home' is a short colourful and psychedelic uptempo electronic/synth piece with swirling effects and looped drums. `Peace' is a tranquil Mellotron and flute finale before turning triumphant and victorious with it's grand guitar soloing that runs right through to the climax of the album.

Two particular highlights - The urgent and jazzier `Raindrops' has sprightly guitar licks and murmuring bass weaving their way through Mellotron fields of eerie bliss, the drums/percussion sound adding plenty of tension as they help quicken the pace. This is one of only two tracks that feature weary other-wordly treated vocals, but they don't detract from the music at all. Special mention must also go to the gorgeous melodic bass solo that closes the piece, listen out for it!

`Shelter' is perfect romantic prog similar to Camel, with it's laid-back lead vocals, chiming strums with a powerful melodic lead guitar solo to end the piece in a draining and dramatic manner. I love the wavering serrated tone Carlo's guitar takes right near the end, just dripping with lust and passion!

Check the date this was released, December 17th - therefore `Nowhere' would make a fine Christmas present for the progressive music fanatic! Why not grab the free download Carlo is offering on his website and Bandcamp page, and give a copy to someone who appreciates great instrumental music? He is also considering setting up a small run of very affordable CD copies, so take the chance and give this album a spin, and let him know you're interested! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, and anyone who enjoys Pink Floyd and tasteful, well-played and warmly produced instrumental progressive rock is sure to be impressed.

An easy and well deserved four stars - What a beautiful album!