ELEGIE D'INVERNO

Three years after ''Lilith'' Contrappunto and Andrea Cavallo returned with a third album and a new contract with Mellow Records.This time though things have completely changed.Contrappunto were always, more or less, driven by Cavallo's writing skills, this time the group was renamed to Contrappunto Project and ''Elegie d'inverno'' is mostly a solo than a band effort.Cavallo played all keyboards, traditional instruments and percussion on this album (which sound rather programmed) with some help by guests on wind instruments,

It is quite clear that Cavallo's preferences at the time were far from his past, proggier attitude and his new album sounds like a mix of Ambient, Electronic, World Music and New Age soundscapes.There is total absence of any rock instrumentation like guitars, bass and drums and the music relies upon Cavallo's various keyboard textures mixed with trumpets, horns, traditional instruments and saxes.The tracks sound good for background music but are far from interesting for occasional listenings.Repetitive, very soft, monotonous and deeply atmospheric music with inconsistent styles' blends, that lack energy and passion, presenting a trippy experience based on orchestral and ethnic arrangements.On the other hand this sounds as Cavallo's personal approach on experimental music, there are plenty of Avant-Garde related themes in this release, but I am afraid these are too minimalistic to strike the listener's ears.Only the pair of closing tracks sound a bit inspired, a nice Electronic soundscape and a pretty romantic piano arrangement.

After the album Cavallo put his project on hold, only occasionally returning for participations in a few Prog-related compilations albums like the '' Dante's...'' series of Musea Records.

''Elegie d'inverno'' is by far the less recommended work by Contrappunto.Hypnotic music all the way, flirting dangerously with New Age, and having absolutely nothing to do with Progressive Rock.Only for fans of the style.