MELAPESANTE

The Italian prog formation Syndone made two albums in the Nineties, Spleen from 1992 and one year later Inca, fuelled by multi-instrumentalist Nico Comoglio. He studied on a very high level science and architecture, got private lessons in piano and composition and decided to go his own way in modern music. After Syndone he played blues, did soundtracks and commercials for television and wrote compositions for classical musicians. And then, in 2010, Nico Comoglio released a third Syndone album entitled Melapesante, as the only original band member. During my first listening session I quickly conclude that Syndone has mastured, the music sounds way more captivating and dynamic than the previous Nineties efforts. And I like the passionate Italian vocals by Riccardo Ruggeri.

The first composition Melancholia D'Ophelia delivers a swinging rhythm and an impressive Emersonian Hammond sound, along spectacular slightly distorted synthesizer soli. In the more dreamy parts the Hammond organ evoked Procol Harum, wonderful.

Then the titletrack featuring beautiful work on keyboards and a swirling violin solo, JL Ponty comes to my mind.

In the other tracks Syndone showcases a pleasant and varied instrumentation, from flute, classical guitar and vibraphone to a brass section and a hobo. And the one moment it is 24-carat symphonic rock with vintage keyboards (Hammond and Moog), the other moment a piano is blended with avant-garde.

My highlight is the epic Magritte (17 minutes) that alternates between mellow and bombastic, Classic Prog, ELP reigns.

Another strong composition is the final track 4 Hans Piano Boogieprog featuring virtuosic Emersonian piano runs.

After this strong comeback Syndone released four other praised albums, between 2012 and 2018.

Interesting new Italian prog bands:

Andrea Orlando - Dalla Vita Autentica

O.A.K. - Giordano Bruno

Una Stagione AlL Inferno - Il Mostro Di Firenze