ODISSEA

An interesting band and an interesting album, both disappeared behind the walls of the past glories. So Odissea is another of the many one-shot bands that enriched the golden years of the italian prog scene.

Their music was not the most complicated around then but certainly had elements of peculiarity and uniqueness that should have guarantee a more wider recognition. Unfortunately this wasn't enough to permit the release of a follow up. So, another excellent source of prog, suddenly, dried up.

The songs' patterns never tend to leave the "commercial" mood. This is the main feature, I think. The amazing mix between the folk-(light)-symphonic prog and the rough, deep and romantic vocals create an unique experience, somehow in a similar vein to the contemporary band Jumbo, even if without the vocal (and lyrical) excesses of mr. Alvaro Fella. In fact, generally, Odissea are more mellow and delicate in each of the eight compositions, thanks to a remarkable use of mellotron, piano and organ and the inspiring interplay of the electric guitar! Just listen to the excellent "Unione" (6,06 mns) or to "Crisalide" (4,45 mns) or to the mellotron's explosions in "Voci" (4,04 mns) or to the fast and furious drumming closer "Conti e Numeri" (4,33 mns).

Other tunes are more "conventional" but still recommendable to any lover of Rock Progressivo Italiano.

All in all, a moderately recommendable album. I like it very much.

3.50, at least.