APPUNTI SONORI PER UNA COSMOGONIA CAOTICA

Il Castello delle uova (The Castle of the Eggs) is a self-described post-prog band formed in Palermo in 1999. The strange band name is meant to convey the contrast of space, power, and structure with frailty according to their web page. It goes on to describe the album as a sort of continuous free-jazzy soundscape, which gives sonic space to the words of a cosmicomic poem (written by Li Causi), where the beginning of the world perpetually coincides with its end.

That's right, while they don't mention Pholas Dactylus as an influence at their site, there are some similarities to the classic Concerto Delle Menti. You have a free flowing work of progressive instrumental prowess over which are delivered poetic lyrics in the form of spoken narration rather than traditional singing. That is not to say the music itself sounds the same. Castello's prowess is of a more consistently jazz direction than Pholas which had equal amounts of hard rock and attributed Krautrock influence. Here the music is relentlessly driven by the Karcius-level chops of bassist Ciccio Stampa and drummer Abele Gallo but displaying a more sensitive touch than that group. On top of this you have great synths and piano textures laid out for the featured guitars, vocals, loops, and trumpet of guest Aldo Bertolino. He has some simply jaw-dropping horn work in various places. While I would call this a contemporary or modern progressive jazz rock (and I'm certainly no expert in jazz) there are some fine moments of space guitar by Pietro Li Causi, such as early in track III (the pieces are just numbered rather than named.) Over smooth synth background he lets go an emotional yet subtle piece of elegant lead that I wish went on longer unaccompanied. Or in the middle of track V where he simply lets wail right along with the narration. I find the music endlessly fascinating, at turns invigorating and then peaceful--perhaps another version of the contrast they aspire to. So who do they mention they appreciate on their page? Among others, King Crimson.Area.and Woody Allen. There you have it all, technical ecstasy with a sense of humor. But they go further, allowing their music sufficient quiet time to breathe and rest instead of constantly pummeling you with chops, something too many bands make the mistake of. Music should not be just another competitive forum for adrenalin junkies. When asked by Ondarock what their desert island albums would consist of, the band came up with Nursery Cryme, Red, Coltrane's My Favorite Things, Area's Arbeit, and Sonic Youth's Dirty among others.

The rest of your time with this album just lay back and enjoy this feast of daring composition that continues to unfold to new sonic fields with each play. Tasteful interplay, sometimes feisty and sometimes a cool blue flickering-light mellow, I continue to be amazed by the music flying below the radar in Italy. I keep reading people talk about South America, Scandinavia, Poland as the new hotbeds of progressive music.and yet the spirit of the music that keeps coming from Italy is what keeps me going-it's as exciting as that being produced anywhere in the world. And I hope it remains this eclectic and free-spirited. Check out the cool photography slideshow at their myspace page and hear their music. Their album is privately distributed by the band either as a download or a made-to-order CD. An interesting concept, you pay via Paypal or credit card and they apparently press you a disc made to order. Fabulous music. 8/10