MAXOPHONE

Just another Italian prog band that showed hints of potential to eventually creative a progressive rock masterpiece but couldn't get past the first album. I can hear why some view this as a masterpiece, because there are a number of very good sequences, on par with the PFMs and Le Orme's of this world. On the other hand, this album can be wildly consistent between songs, and even within songs.

Take Elzeviro, for example. It's largely a pleasant but forgettable song. However, the brief instrumental break is fantastic, particularly when the guitar crashes in. Maxophone really show their potential in spots like this. Also, they have a unique sound when compared with other Italian prog bands because of jazz rock instrumentation and playing style. These aren't just backing instruments to add Chicago-style punch to the guitar solos and verse and chorus, but instead fill the album with some great solos (i.e., the sax solo on Antiche Conclusioni Negre) background sounds (i.e., the horn blatts throughout). Fun stuff!

My favorite is probably the instrumental Fase, which morphs between straight prog, jazz and even some funk rock. Mondo and Antiche are also highlights. Unfortunately for me, most of the songs are not consistent throughout, such as the vocal lines that conclude Antiche or the slow-downs in Mondo. These things could be tightened up, and I think they would have if Maxophone had put out later albums.

A solid album showing a band with plenty of potential in spots, but inconsistent and too often simply decent. I think it makes a nice contribution to fill out an Italian prog collection, but it wouldn't be in my top 10 of the genre.