IL CAVALIERE INESISTENTE

Recent years have yielded an embarrassment of riches for fans of the many one-offs of European prog, as many have suddenly doubled their output after decades of silence. This is actually a simplistic take on the complex legacy of most such groups, who, during a 20-40 year "absence", even allowing for a lengthy dormancy may have devoted years out of their busy lives to a follow up. For example, Italy's FAVERAVOLA was set to work on a second album to follow their 2006 debut almost immediately only to be beset with one obstacle after another. The story of RPI maestros LETHE is that leader Stefano Fornaroli had a vision for the successor to the excellent "Nymphae" from 1993, but, since the musical version of Calvino's "Il Cavaliere Inesistente" is dedicated to him and he is absent from the production, he may be deceased or, at the least, incapacitated, hardly surprising given the march of days . What one might not expect is that, even with 4 returnees reporting from the "Nymphae" days, this is a musically disheartening affair.

With twelve tracks absconding with 1.2 hours, I am going to give LETHE the benefit of the doubt that they imparted the lyrical and thematic message of the original fantasy novel, but musically this is an unfocused dud. It's inferiority to the exalted "Nymphae" is stark, with not a single standout track or theme upon which to hang the frayed ambitions. They do not try to emulate that long ago classic, but settle for a parody of BANCO and LOCANDA DELLA FATE among others, no small thanks to Giacomo Balzarotti's raspy vocals comparing unfavorably to those of Fornaroli. Even instrumentally the numbers lack the commitment to complete what they started, or start what they ultimately send off, It's LETHE by the numbers and, if the best passages were culled from 8 or 9 of these tracks, it wouldn't look too bad as a long single or very short EP.

The opener is one of the stronger pieces, playing like the one that didn't quite make the cut 30 years ago. The ERIS PLUVIA like title cut offers promise, but tries to run with a second idea that doesn't work nearly as well. "Pagani" is probably the highlight, the closest to being fully realized, though also well under 4 minutes in length, and entirely instrumental.

I have tended to be lenient with many of these long anticipated gifts, but I can only infer that Stephan Fornaroli was the sort of guide who had to be there to inspire, no knock against him, and sadly there is no knight in existence who would bother saving what's here.

Good prog news from Italy (as so many times in prog history).

In the early 90s I got a cassette named Il Salto Del Falco by Italian band Lethe to review for a Dutch prog magazine. And now, anno 2025, I got a CD named Il Cavaliere Inesistente by Italian band Lethe to review. In order to get sure this is the same Lethe I contacted the band on Facebook, and indeed it turned out to be the same Lethe. Unfortunately prime mover Stefano Fornaroli (vocals, flute and percussion) had died in September 1994, due to leukemia, only a few months after Lethe had released its first CD Nymphae (1994) on the Italian Mellow Records label. Now Lethe sees the realization of the dream of Lethe's founder, Stefano Fornaroli, to whom this new album (2024) is dedicated (featuring 4 original and 2 new members, and 2 guest musicians).

After a few listening sessions I am more and more pleased with this first Lethe album since 30 years. The music succeeded to keep my attention for the entire running time, due to their pleasant and varied sound, very harmonic and melodic. The 12 tracks are tastefully layered with flute, guitar and keyboards, a strong rhythm-section, and topped with inspired Italian vocals (male and female). I notice echoes from Peter Gabriel-Genesis, Marillion, Jethro Tull and Camel, and of course Classic Italian Prog, but Lethe also delivers a lot of fine own musical ideas to keep the band from too derivative. I am sure the late prime mover Stefano is delighted about this inspired and wonderful effort by Lethe, wherever he is ?.

My highlights.

Mura Di Fuoco (7:34) : Lots of flowing shifting moods, from a mid-tempo beat to bombastic, embellished with sound effects, sparkling flute, a moving guitar solo with howling runs and passionate Italian vocals (with theatrical tendencies). The music sounds accessible, melodic, harmonic, varied and tastefully arranged, this is trademark new Lethe.

Animali Cristiani (10:17) First dreamy guitars and keyboards, soon joined by pleasant vocals. Then the atmosphere changes to more dynamic and bombastic featuring flute, intense guitar leads and powerful vocals. Halfway a dreamy climate with inspired female vocals, a very convincing presence. Then a break with harder-edged guitar, and strong interplay, in a mid-tempo beat with a pulsating bass. After a fine flute solo the mood shifts to mellow with twanging guitars and pleasant male vocals.

Bradamante (3:36) : This short piece contains acoustic guitar and flute, what a wonderful classical atmosphere.

Nel Segno Della Croce (8:06) : Lots of dynamics and tension, between dreamy and bombastic, and a varied instrumentation, from varied work on the flute, tender Grand piano and bombastic organ to rock guitar and twanging classical guitars. The music is topped with passionate vocals (including vocal harmonies) and culminates in a beautiful grand finale.

Pagani (3:39) : This exciting instrumental piece starts mellow with classical guitar and flute. Then halfway a sensational break with rock guitar and flute, to me it sounds like my beloved Rock Andaluz, how compelling, and what a great interplay between rock guitar and sparkling classical flute work, wow!

L'Elmo D'Oro (6:27) : The final composition delivers a lot of variety and fine musical ideas. First delicate acoustic guitar overdubs, soon joined by warm vocals, slightly more theatrical, now blended with soft synthesizer flights. Then the sound of orchestral keyboards and howling electric guitar. Next a female choir sound, a wonderful short interlude. Next the music turns from a slow rhythm into a mid-tempo beat, topped with first spacey synthesizer runs and then rock guitar, in a bombastic climate, with powerful vocals, and finally vocal harmonies, flute and rock guitar, a strong goodbye.

What a wonderful and varied new effort after 30 years by Italian prog band Lethe, featuring pleasant work on flute, guitars and keyboards, and topped with passionate native vocals.

3,5 star.