SPRAZZI DI LUCE

A new myth of RPI are back in my CD player!

'Sprazzi Di Luce' (eng: 'Flashes Of Light') is the first E.P. from Santa Teresa Di Riva (Messina, Italy) RPI band Conqueror. This E.P. was recorded and produced from January 2008 to May 2009 at Ludnica Rec Studio and it is produced by Conqueror and PeccatOriginale. The production is extreme good and this fact helps the songs to increase the magic, the power and the feelings.

This CD contain 4 tracks: 2 new songs, 1 cover and one live song from their 1st CD.

'Sprazzi Di Luce' remember me New Trolls but this song is melodic. 'Sprazzi Di Luce' is also a good Rock with great flute and extreme good rhythmic soli by leyboards. Great are also the vocal parts.

'...E Mi Manchi Tanto' (eng: '...And You Miss Me So Much') (Alunni Del Sole Cover): This version is a mix by original version (arranged by G.P. Reverberi [Le Orme, among others]) and the new version (arranged by the same song writer Paolo Morelli). This song is more long that the two versions that I cited but only because certain instrumental passages were leghtened. good flute (that in this case replaces the original orchestra) and vocal parts (2nd strophe with interesting vocal duo by Simona Rigano and Mario Pollino). This version, however, is not magical as the original because more Rock (the original is a good melodic POP Prog).

'Semplice' (eng: 'Simple') is a typical Rock for piano and voice (very good). In my mind 'Semplice' remember some atmospheres of Angelo Branduardi or Curved Air ('Melinda [More Or Less]') also if with more latin soul, cause percussions.

'Pensieri Fragili' (eng: 'Fragile Thoughts') are recorded live in Riposto (Catania, Italy) 19 August 2006. This song is beautiful but Riposto is a beautiful city with the volcano Etna in the background and a beautiful sea. This song present a recited intro that is a tribute to Franco Battiato (Conqueror corregional!). For the rest in my mind this song sound as a perfect mix between PFM, Banco, Le Orme, Maxophone and Genesis. Simona sung a la Donella Del Monaco (Opus Avantra) but in Rock style. Magical is this song also for the mediterranean atmospheres that creates. great are the rhythmic soli of electric guitar and the soprano sax (that remember me, although improperly, the sax of 'Liberi Liberi' Vasco Rossi period). this song present a good registration and mixing.

I am not familiar with contemporary RPI bands (but I have some Cds by contemporary RPI bands) but I think that Conqueror is already a classic band juxtapose to PFM, Banco, Le Orme, Area, Maxophone, Goblin, Perigeo, The Trip, Arti + (&) Mestieri, Balletto Di Bronzo, Rovescio Della Medaglia, Osanna, Franco Battiato etc... with a great voice by Simona Rigano.

And also if 'Sprazzi Di Luce' is only an E.P.... Masterpiece is the correct definition.

For info and order: www.conqueror.it www.myspace.com/conqueror1 [email protected]

Conqueror c/o Natale Russo Via Regina Margherita 474 98028 Santa Teresa Di Riva (Messina) Italy

After two years of intense live activity following ''74 giorni'' Conqueror return with a self-released EP entitled ''Sprazzi Di Luce''.This short release, clocking at only 20 minutes, is mostly a musical collaboration between Simona and Sabrina Rigano, regarding the pair of new compositions.

The eponymoys opener is a great soft prog ballad, much in the style of HOSTSONATEN. Sensitive vocals accompanied by melodic flutes, symphonic synths and delicate piano work with background guitars.The following ''...E Mi Manchi Tanto'' is another soft prog ballad, actually a cover of an Alluni Del Sole track, perfectly suited to Conqueror's style. Flutes, piano and crystalline vocals have again the basic role with a nicely combined synth/sax solo by the end.''Semplice'' is more of the same, but the lovely sound leaves you wanting for more and does not get boring even for a minute.Symphonic flute/piano smooth interplays lead the track all the way with Simona Rigano's marvelous vocal chords adding a beautiful emotional color.This EP will close with a live version of ''Pensieri Fragili'' from the band's debut ''Instinto'' and this one is an absolutely great version of the track, fresh, powerful, slightly melancholic and typical of Italian Symph Prog style with some great breaks and plenty of emotional content.

The only reason I dont give this album a solid 4-star rating is its short length.But again all 20 minutes are no less than excellent, melodic and trippy Italian Symphonic Rock.Even this Conqueror EP deserves some strong recommendations...3.5 stars upgraded to 4 for the site.