CIELO E TERRA

Somewhat of a let-down compared with the previous - it is a concept album that I do not grasp the concept - sorry Boys. The story acompanying it is relatively hard to grasp (well my spoken Italian is hardy worth anything , but I can decipher written language) and the music is not up to par with their great second album.

This is the third and until now latest CD from the Italian five piece band Germinale (with additional guest musicians). The 13 compositions sound pleasant and melodic with strong guitarwork that alternates from Fripperian (very biting in the titletrack) to Hackett-like in "Lettera d'amore no. 7" (also wonderful interplay with the organ). The varied instrumentation includes acoustic guitar, flute, violins, piano, female vocals and accordeon. The final song is the longest one and delivers Fripperian guitarplay ("Discipline-era"), a lush organ sound and beautiful piano, strings and flute. This CD is nothing special but it has a warm, typical Italian flavor.

1. In Aeternum veritas (2:07) 2. A mio figlio (4:46) 3. Il lento risveglio (4:58) 4. Chi vola vale (5:28) 5. Patetica (2:40) 6. Cielo e Terra (7:45) 7. N.a.n. (2:57) 8. Atleta (2:33) 9. Lettera d'amore no 7 (4:55) 10. Trombe, scale (4:33) 11. Balera (4:33) 12. La danza del velo (4:26) 13. Lucciole per lanterne (si vendono) (8:58)

The 3rd album has clearly a change in musical direction. I feel that Germinale have succeeded in their change rather well. This album might not be as good as their previous one but it is without a doubt more original. I respect when the bands try to bring something new instead of just repeating themselves and in many ways I like this album more than the impressive predecessor. Indeed, when compared to the previous album ...e il suo respiro ancora agita le onde... (****1/2), I must say that this album is not as coherent. However, I have noticed that I listen this album more often and the only reason I can think for this is the already mentioned originality. The only problem is that there are a few weaker songs in this album compared to the previous one, which didn't really have any. It is the bigger variation between the songs that have caused this, but mostly they have managed to interpret the wider influences successfully. I actually respect this album even more than the previous one even though they have not completely succeeded.

Highlight tracks are "A Mio Figlio", "Lucciole per Lanterne (si vendono)" and the tracks "Il Lento Risveglio" and "Trombe, Scale" with a female guest lead vocalist. The best track is however the beautiful instrumental "Balera (bistangata)". In this track the trademark of the band, beautiful acoustic piano, is most evident.

Conclusion: A great album in somewhat modern style!

I am a huge football fan.

So what, would you tell me. What's the point ? What's the relation between football and this "Germinale" album?

Well, for me there is one since tonight.

About two hours ago, I was attending the clash between my beloved club (Anderlecht) against my favourite English team (Tottenham). On the way to the game (which took me almost two hours to drive some twenty-five KM), I was listening to some music of course.

I listened for the third time in two days to this album. On the way back home, there were still some tracks to listen to (some seven or eight). My seventeen old years son was sitting on my side told me after ten minutes or so: "What's this c**p" ?

I was so surprised, and fully in accordance that I thought: "Listen son, your wasting time; there's a future for you in the fire escape trade. Come up to town!". I swear I thought of these words immediately and I promised him to mention this anecdote when posting my review of this album.

This is a pretty weak work. Nothing to remember in terms of melody, great instrumental part, beautiful Italian prog music, inventive or creative stuff.

No, nothing as such. Pure boredom. I have never been enthusiast with spoken lyrics (except in Jeff Wayne's "The War Of The Worlds"). This one is pitiful.

To avoid harsher words, I would just tell you : stay away from this one. Poor, poor, poor (instead of six, six, six . sweet rock'n'roll.). The worse of their career and one of the poorest Italian prog offering. And you know how much I praise this genre.

One star. Nothing more.