LA STANZA SUONA CIÒ CHE NON VEDO

This is the second album from Italian Claudio Milano, a versatile vocalist as well as adventurous composer and conceptualist. This album is not very electronic, with a lot of the music being piano and vocal oriented. Most of the lyrics are in Italian but there is also some English as well. Claudio does all the vocal parts and some piano but there is a few guest musicians making contributions. Three of the songs here will be redone by Claudio's band Nichelodeon. "Amanti in guerra" comes in two versions: the first is more upbeat with drum machine programming and electric guitar; the other is more somber and piano-based. I like the first version even better than the Nichelodeon versions. My favourite version of this song, it also features some symphonic synths and acoustic guitar which adds to the atmosphere. The electric guitar and bass are basically played in a 'rock' way.

I prefer the Nichelodeon versions of "Fame" to the one here. This is basically piano and multi- tracked Claudios singing. "Malamore e la Luna" is in the same boat but it does not feature multiple voices. Nonetheless, they are both great songs. Tracks 5-8 form 'Europa che muore', where Claudio does his interpretations of the work of European composers like Handel, Jacques Brel and others. These songs are basically piano/vocal based but sometimes some effects or other instruments are added. "L'immagine e il Riflesso" has more programmed drumming, this time more interesting than on the first version of "Amanti.." More sympathetic electric guitar playing as well. A great song with great production.

"La torre più alta" is one of the more interesting tracks. It reminds me somewhat of 1980s/1990s Art Zoyd with its creepy altered vocal effects and synths. Claudio's multi-tracked 'ah ha ha's are priceless. Later what sounds like a cello type sound and some programmed drums playing a hip-hop style beat. This track gets very symphonic for awhile. Probably the most electronic sounding track and a highlight for sure. "Disegnando Cattedrali di Cellule" is a 12 1/2 minute track recorded live on stage. This begins with in a creepy industrial style mixed with some free jazz. Soon it goes into a melodic jazzy piano and vocal based section.

Then you hear an actual drummer who only appears on this track. Later the drummer plays a rock style beat while jazzy piano and trumpet play along. You hear some of Claudio's most impressive singing on the album here. This is a decent effort and may appeal to those who are familiar with Claudio's work with Nichelodeon, although don't expect it to sound too much like that group. I will give this a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

Claudio Milano is the creative force behind the avant band NICHELODEON. He's one very talented man both in his compositions and vocals. While his solo albums are listed under Electronic this certainly isn't an Electronic album but the follow-up "Adython" is. This particular record is mainly piano, percussion and voice throughout. I wouldn't say it was samey because of that but it's close to that description. The one exception is the live track which is by far my favourite as we get a full band sound there.

So yes as you go down through the tracks i've written percussion, piano and vocals over and over. Of course Claudio mixes things up as we go. "La Torre Piu Alta" the ninth track is different as we get some crazy stuff happening including a laughter that is in a rhythm. Funny ! The live track is called "Disegnando Cattedrali Di Cellule" and it's by far the longest at 12 1/2 minutes. Applause to start as dissonant horns and clashing cymbals follow. Piano and vocals take over 2 minutes in then a beat before 3 minutes. The trumpet is back after 5 minutes as the vocals stop. Piano only after 7 minutes then spoken words a minute later. Singing with piano follows then a beat 10 1/2 minutes in followed by trumpet. It's spooky late.

A good album but without question one of Claudio's tamer ones.