VIAGGIO

Extremely obscure Italian band, deeply buried in the ashes of time.Condor reputedly came from the town of Calitri near Avellino in Southern Italy.They were led by guitarist Sandro Altieri and keyboardist Crescenzo Martinello, who wrote all the material of their sole effort ''Il viaggio'', released as a private press in 1985.

This is actually a melodic Prog/Soft Rock album with light symphonic influences, but the whole work is certainly well-crafted, carrying a decent production.Most tracks come like a cross between 80's Pop Rock and mellow Italian Symphonic Rock, much in the vein of ATON'S, NOTTURNO CONCERTANTE or ABISSI INFINITI.They contain very interesting and expressive vocals and a fair dose of music flexibility, from smooth keyboard-based symphonic passages to acoustic themes and from catchy rockin' grooves to orchestral preludes.The tracks are rather short but extremely melodic, tight and well-performed with often a very good bombastic atmosphere, even if most proggers will find them more than accesible.The vocals have this great Italian romantic taste and Altieri has a beautiful guitar touch, regarding both his riffs or solos, accompanied by the dreamy keyboard work of Martinello.

Mega rare LP by a band, who came and went like a flash.Italian Prog followers or anyone who does not get bothered by the 80's Prog stylings should try to track down a copy.Recommended overall.