DISOBBEDISCO!

''La ballata dell'ardito'' served more or less as a small taste of Ianva's full-lenght debut ''Disobbedisco!'', which was released in early 2006.It was a concept work, based on the romantic story between Cesare Renzi and Elettra Stavros.A book by Gabriele D'Annunzio is said to be the source of inspiration and the original flame, that has given birth to this album.

This is some very interesting Art Rock/Folk effort, trying to travel the listener to the 1920's-30's era with the use of cinematic echoes, traditional tunes and acoustic images, the concept is quite strong and the dominant use of the Italian language is a helping factor without question.Ianva's music is based on monster brass sections, lots of acoustic piano and constant use of accordion next to the usual suspects, drums, electric guitar and bass.I guess that a hell of Italian singer/songwriters like LUCIANO BATTISTI or ANGELO BRANDUARDI have influenced the group, while there are also elements from pastoral and lyrical Italian Prog present in the album.Alternation between operatic, clean or poetic male and female vocals secure the nostalgic additude of the band and the sound finds them walking through the first half of 1900 with Cabaret Music and Folk being two of the more obvious aspects of their music, which has a strong sense of harmonic parts and vintage Film Score-like vibes.A couple of tracks remind me a bit of Psych/Prog bands like FORMULA 3 or FABIO CELI E GLI INFERMIERI with Ianva displaying a mood for orchestral arrangements over a solid rhythm section and the always emphatic Italian lyricism.

A genuine mix of Neofolk, lyrical Italian Prog and Pop.Pushing the ''cinematic'' definition of music to the edges and highlighted by intelligent arrangements and romantic Italian poetry.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.