DANCES OF THE DRASTIC NAVELS

The curiously titled Dances Of The Drastic Navels is the fifth album from Italian duo Alfio Costa (Keyboards and Davide Guidono (drums and percussion). The title track is a continuation of two pieces that appeared on their first and second albums though I haven't heard them, my introduction to Daal being Dodecahedron, their excellent fourth album. The duo is joined by a number of guest musicians adding guitar, bass, violin and vocals.

Dances Of The Drastic Navels consists of five pieces, all largely instrumental with the exception of album closer Inside You. Daal are well placed in eclectic prog, their music being quite difficult to pin down as it draws from many styles including neo, symphonic, with samples adding an ambient and electronica feel in places, bringing Pink Floyd to mind ocasionally. Though Italian they share little ground with the bulk of bands in the RPI genre though elements of Goblin can be detected at times.

Highlight of the album is the twenty four minute The Dance Of The Drastic Navels. After an avant/ambient intro it gives way to some Dave Gilmouresque guitar leading us into a very dark section before voices lead a change into slightly more upbeat territory. Whilst good, the mid- section does outstay its welcome slightly becoming a little repetitive until a sequencer brings us out into electronica territory before some lush keyboard work leads us towards the end of this moody piece.

Biggest surprise of the album comes in the final track Inside You. Tirill Monh's breathy vocals perfectly suiting this lovely reflective piece which includes some haunting violin work.

Overall whilst Dances Of The Drastic Navels didn't hit the spot with me quite as much as the last album, the first half here not having quite the impact of the second half, Daal have nevertheless made another good album. If you haven't already, Daal are definitely worth checking out.