IL MUCCHIO

This was basically a Proto-Prog album, showcasing a band trying to escape from the typical Italian Psych/Beat style and evolve themselves into more adventurous arrangements.The results though are rather questionable.The shorter tracks contain catchy choruses and dull multi-vocal harmonies in a NEW TROLLS style, being still fairly rooted in 60's Pop/Rock with organ as a lead instrument and a psychedelic rhythm section.On the other hand the longer compositions are a mixed bag.The 60's influence is still strong, but the arrangements are in a more progressive style with nice (but very dated) organ/harpsichord leads along with a fair dose of instrumental passages with a touch of Classical influence.However the band never really escaped from the typical song format.

After the release of the album Piazza left to do his military obligations, followed soon by Zane and Rebeschini.A new Il Mucchio formation was established with Zanardo and Rivoltella now joined by Roberto Fagotto (vocals, guitar), Franco Carradori (drums) and Luciano Basso (keyboards).This line-up recorded two singles in 1972 and 1973 respectively, all four tracks of which are contained on the CD reissues of the album (from Mellow Records and Korean label Si-Wan).These tracks have a richer sound due to addition of the electric guitars, but again the style remains deeply based on the organ,harpsichord and piano leads,though this time in a more elaborate style, with this Psych feeling still dominating the atmosphere and the vocal parts being again quite cheesy.

The band finally split up in 1975 to come back 20 years later, featuring three original members ((Piazza, Zane and Zanardo).Il Mucchio stayed around for a couple of years, mainly performing live.

I can only recommend this album to fans of organ-driven Proto-Prog or die-hard Italian Prog followers.The tracks are not that memorable or fascinating, leaning more towards the psychedelic side of rock than the progressive one, and even this category of music lovers should approach with caution.

Certainly this is the more RPI work by Il Mucchio, a unfortunate band from Venice. In my opinion one of the more good band fom the first wave of Italian Prog bands.

Important note: Soon after the recording sessions for the album, the singer/flutist Sergio Piazza temporarily left the group to do his military service, and the others kept playing as a quartet, sharing the lead singer role.

In definitive: A good single, not a simple two bonus track for CD version of "Il Mucchio"!

"Per Una Libertà" (eng: "For Freedom") is a great Heavy song with great organ and arrangements, aged extreme well. Vice versa "Qualcuno Ha Ucciso" with his Beat atmospheres in a Psychedelic song is aged in not good manner.

Certainly if you have the Cd version (Mellow MMP166) you have all discography (these songs are 1st and 2nd of album) and sure you have the idea that hese songs are good as single songs. As for me. Probably you have the idea that Il Mucchio is a sort Venetian version of New Trolls. And this, sure, it's true.

In definitive... But I base my opinion on the album versions... This single today is good only because is from 1970.

Il Mucchio were not exactly well known but they are historically important as one of the early entries on the Italian progressive scene, their lone album being released in the Spring of 1970. They hailed from Venice and were active from 1970-1974 before returning for a brief reunion in the mid 90s, but this was their only full-length album. It is important because it is a bridge album from the beat and psych-pop sounds of the late 60s to the classic RPI era, incorporating classical influences and the beginnings of progressive experimentation. Sjef Oellers writes "Il Mucchio plays organ-soaked proto-progressive, sounding like a cross between Moody Blues and early Manfred Mann/Spencer Davis Group." And while other sources out there claim the album is nothing special I have to say I found it much more enjoyable than I thought I would. It's probably not quite as good as Panna Fredda but that would be a decent reference point as well.

With material written by composer/singer Dino Donaggio, Il Mucchio forges their unique sound by using dual-keyboards and a strong bass guitar presence, but very little prominent electric guitar. The keys are mostly organ but there is harpsichord, piano and some other odd sound I can't place. The second component of the sound is the distinctive upper-register vocals, both solo and in frequent chorus, that are straight out of the New Trolls playbook. Though to my taste they sound much more authentic to me than do the Trolls glass-cracking hysterics. The vocals are very professionally arranged and on their own are quite a treat to listen to. The compositions are pleasant and of pretty good quality although only sporadically reaching beyond period psych-rock and beat. You hear them go for it in "Qualcuno Ha Ucciso" which features tribal rhythms and wild noises mixed with classical piano, lovely Hammond, and those amazing vocal arrangements. There are still catchy hooks though even on the more avant sections the band is keeping one foot in each universe. And that sums up most of the album: it is simply a pleasant blend of vintage keyboards and wonderful vocals in engaging but not overly complex tracks. The other highlight of this album is an absolutely breathtaking version of Schubert's "Ave Maria" that was worth the price of admission alone. If you took away the rock drumming that eventually gets upbeat, vocally the piece could be used for Sunday service, very respectful and yet interesting. From here the album closes with some bluesy organ workout in "Questi Siamo Noi" that would be fertile ground for Ritchie Blackmore to step in and wail on.but Il Mucchio just brings in another keyboard rather than the expected guitar-blazing. Some will be put off by this but personally I found the approach unique and didn't miss the guitars for a second. It's more evidence to the quality level of RPI when even the 2nd and 3rd tier bands are consistent and quality enough for 3 solid stars. You have to dig even deeper to start finding 2 stars albums. Mellow Records has done a nice job with the sound quality on MMP-166 although the booklet is a scant foldover. Their later singles are included as the four bonus tracks.