UNA RAGIONE PER VIVERE

Messaggio 73 was a band from Lecco who formed around 1973 and lasted for a decade, performing countless shows in Italy and releasing one full length album, plus some singles. They reside firmly on the religious branch of the RPI movement. In 1970s Italy there were quite a few projects which sprung up designed to use the modern rock format to spread the good word, to bring the beauty of the Catholic Church to a younger audience. (See our artist page for Chris' excellent bio which sheds more light on this Christian RPI band).

The music on the lone Messaggio 73 album entitled "Una Ragione Per Vivere" is far to the lighter side of Italian prog. The music is a mix of Italian pop with light progressive rock and classical music influences, adorned beautifully by the violin and choir vocals. While uncredited on the album apparently much of the credit should be shared with Giuseppe Mazzoleni, who composed much of the music and contributed violin here, which is the ingredient that most brings these songs to life. Much of the album fails to escape from the dated psych-pop and Beat tendencies which by 1973 were downright square compared to what was going on around them. Understand there are some tracks here which will have RPI fans cringing a bit. On the other hand there are some mature classical moments that work just beautifully. There is a delightful piano section which opens the album. And there is the album's highlight, the most ambitious "Adagio" which gives a glimpse of what could have been with a bit more radical composition. It begins with shimmering cymbals, piano, and folksy guitar backing a lengthy and breathtaking violin sequence, so wonderful! Halfway through the band finally finds the spark lacking on earlier tracks, and cooks up a melodic, energetic backing to the frenzied strings. "La Scelta" also attempts a more daring proggy edge with some success, while "E La Luce Fu" is the single which sparked great national interest for this band. The closer "L'Ultimo Giorno" is lovely, melodic mix of Mazzoleni's violin with the boys choir, evoking the beauty of the Catholic mass for me. The biggest problem as mentioned is the composition, specifically the rock element is simply not sophisticated enough to transition well with the better moments at the periphery. The result is some great moments plagued by inconsistency and lack of adventure. The 2012 AMS reissue includes a bonus disc of a live show which makes it highly collectible.

Messaggio 73 is recommended only to the subset of RPI fans who enjoy the Christian branch of the tree, those who are violin junkies, and those who enjoy the Italian pop/psych. Fans of the "difficult RPI" shouldn't even slow down the horse. Personally I enjoyed myself here despite my reservations, I simply need to make clear this is a "for fans" title.