RUN

Tenmidnight from Bologna came together in 2003 under the forces of Roberto Bovini (drums, vocals) and Bob Ranzi (keyboards), who had been playing together for years.With Tiziano Bolzoni (bass), Ivan Bertuzzi (guitars) and Gabriele Carboni (flutes, guitars) they completed the line-up which recorded a self-titled debut in 2005.This brought the band to the attention of Mellow Records, that signed the group, and in 2008 they returned with a sophomore effort, entitled ''Run''.

I haven't listened to the band's debut, but based on what is contained in ''Run'' I do not intend to, considering that a second work is almost always an improvement over the debut of a band.Tenmidnight play a mix of straightforward Hard Rock with Art/Prog Rock, having strong 70's vibes, especially the KANSAS influence and the JETHRO TULL vibes are more than evident, but the result is far from irritating and often cheesy.They blend English and Italian lyrics, really a turn off for all Italian groups, unless the music is pretty outstanding.But this is not the case here.There are some well-played parts on ''Run'', especially the good flute drives and the light use of organ is more than welcome, but the tracks tend to be rather forgettable and cliche.Additionally some themes sound as a complete ripoff of classic acts of the past, like the opening tune of ''Lusitania'' sounding similar to KANSAS' ''Carry on my wayward son''.The vocals are also average, nothing bad but nothing trully exceptional either.Trying hard to find the positive offerings of these release, I detect a nice ability of the group to deliver good instrumental work and a couple of tracks that eventually show some potential for the future, being well-crafted Progressive/Art Rock with interesting keyboard passages.

Not my cup of tea for sure.This is very accesible and at times cheesy music with a completely unoriginal sound and mediocre songwriting, which the band needs the most considering the delivered style.Only recommended for rare spins.