HO SMESSO DI VIVERE

Two decent albums from a difficult period

Far from being a shoe-in at any progressive rock website Gli Apostholi caused a bit of heartburn during their evaluation process. While they had been around since the mid 60s Italian beat period there was never an early 70s statement album solidifying their RPI credentials. Instead the original incarnation split up just as the party was getting started and missed the explosion, at least from a recording perspective. It was in the late 70s when RPI was descending that a renewed Gli Apostholi became a reality. As one lets their two albums seep in over time it becomes apparent that they were indeed a part of the story. They are one of the many bridge bands who operated in RPI's most difficult period from the late 70s-80s, holding down the fort during the tough days that preceded the great renaissance which came later and continues to this day.

Their two albums are quite different with the second one having a more "prog rock" sound but with the influence of the early 80s. This one had a much more Ital-pop sound featuring the short songs and the traditional Italian song feel. This album recalls artists like selected Battisti, Enzo Capuano, Adriano Monteduro, and Franco Maria Giannini. For outside references I dare say there is a bit of mid-late 70s Cat Stevens feeling running through some parts. Here though the songs can be more folk-rock based, with an occasionally "twangy" feel while still maintaining some rock punch. The musicians are a joy to listen to, very tight, while the vocalist reminds me of my friend Stefano Testa on many of the songs. Light symphonic touches are evident, there are soft backings of piano, mellotron, and synthesizer. The guitars are more often than not acoustic with tasteful electric solos. Other tracks run the gamut from beautiful, romantic piano ballads to tight rockers with a bold bass presence. The songwriting is of good quality and interesting throughout, even if most of them fade out in relatively short order. No epic 20 minute numbers here!

This is a really worthwhile little collection of Italian songs with a very light progressive touch, mostly for fans of the Italian canzone and singer-songwriters. While you won't find it on any RPI top 10 lists, it is something worth hearing after you have a good taste for the genre. Effortless, enjoyable listening. And while the second album may be more fitting for PA I think I actually prefer this one. From the fun opening romp "Il Pesce Rosso" to the unapologetically sentimental closer this is a very touching recording. 3 1/2 stars.

Gli Apostholi were a Pop Rock band from Vicenza, formed in 1964 and led by singer Walter Bottazzi.They disbanded in late-60's to return in 1970 as a trio with keyboardist Gigi Terzo and drummer Roberto Trentin next to Bottazzi.It is rumored that in early-70's they released their debut ''Un'isola senza sole'', but it was printed in such a limited number of copies that the original album is nearly impossible to find.Many years later, in 1979 with Franco Marchiori on guitars (a former member of the band during the 60's), Gli Apostholi released the album ''Ho smesso di vivere'' on the obscure Delfino label.

Despite sounding like a Pop Rock quartet, Gli Apostholi have an incredible fame among prog collectors and I still wonder why.''Ho smesso di vivere'' consists of 12 very short melodic Pop/Pop Rock tracks with uninteresting lyrics and lightweight musicianship and the only prog influence one can detect are some decent synth parts.Bottazzi's voice is everywhere, delivering his cliche lyrics in melodic choruses and there is actually no room for any instrumental moves.Despite Marchiori's presence on guitars the music is mainly driven by Terzo ballad-styled pianos and background synths, while all tracks feature simple grooves and limited surprises.Only a few are a bit more artistic like the melodic ''Foglie Rosse D'Autunno'' with its interesting electric guitars, the folky and quite proggy ''Ho Imparato A Distruggere'' with the interesting combination of synths, acoustic guitars and expressive vocals or the similar-sounding and very atmospheric ''Ho Acceso Un Fiore''.The rest of the material is unfortunately based on standard pop melodies and heart-felt vocal parts.

The album is very rare and quite exprensive and it is not recommended to spent this amount of money just to listen to a rumored prog rarity.This is only decent Pop Rock and nothing more and anyone still curious about its sound can purchase the CD reissue by M.P. Records.