SOL29

As the David Bowie classic implies "We can be heroes", some musicians have taken it literally to emulate their heroes while relying uniquely on their own inner talents to create their own craft. We progfans certainly have our heroes but we rather worship their musical accomplishments than idolize their persona. Giancarlo Erra is a talented multi- instrumentalist from Italy that unequivocally espouses his admiration for Steve Wilson and particularly his No-Man side project, which has produced some magnificent modern prog for more than 15 years now. "Sol 29" is Giancarlo's first foray into the darker depths of psychedelia, a daring and yet hushed expanse of experimental sound techniques, perhaps even minimalist in construction but securely expressed with a radiant conviction. "In the White Air" is intensely soporific, like a devastated and exhausted body finally succumbing to slumber. Hypnotic is not the term, in fact the Michael Brook (remember him?), effect drenched guitar phrasings are absolutely in evidence here, the next two tracks continue in a monotone vein. I ache for some instant gratification, maybe a colossal melody or a resonating solo would do it and it comes raucously with the fourth piece. "The Moment She Knew" is a masterpiece epic with a slithering guitar rampage that even suggests a bluesier Steve Hillage, all awash in turbulently substantial atmospherics. Just like with the supreme choir-mellotron drenched "Overloaded", these two jewels are highly convincing prog classics, both would induce dropped Steve Wilson jaws! "The Broken Parts" falls into deep aural research, lilting atmospherics bathed by acoustic guitar and caressed by some translucent vocal melody, serene fragility gently articulated in reaching the inner depths of the soul. A thoroughly refreshing soundscape that breathes to its own pulse, seducing with a monstrous guitar journey that weaves intricately forward and higher. What intense nirvana? "Idle End" is another extended "trip" into melancholia drenched Floydian horizons but with the added early Porcupine Tree flair, that steady Mason-like beat keeping the heart going, mumbled vocals cocooning the numbness of the mood. As is his custom, Erra provides a huge 6 string tour de force, evoking all the culprits (Gilmour, Wilson, Hackett, Hillage and Fripp). The track does drag on a bit though, the psychedelic price to pay on occasion. 4 massive tracks as of now, can there be more? "Hope for the Future" certainly qualifies as another emerald, as it shows no haste in setting the mood and settling the score once again. A deliberate blossoming explodes into another cosmic rant, as the angelic choir mellotron kicks in again while soaring guitar ripples slash through the skies , very relaxed and yet despondent. Quelle audace! Ending it on a 10 minute title track coup de grace! Non e vero! ('Cannot be', in PRI language). Slowly metamorphosing a la Eno into a more melodically manageable entity, the celestial voices even evoke a dreamier Vangelis (had he stayed progressive!) and I admit being a sucker for grandiose ambient music (my Tangerine Dream collection alone has 34 titles!) . This is certainly sublime but not an easy album to listen to, requiring patience and the inherently right mood. 4.5 Radioactive Toys