L'UOMO DELLE GENTI

Debut recording from a Young Italian band from Bari that keeps the RPI flame burning ever so brightly, maintaining not only the sonic tradition of immense melodic envelope, as well as vibrant instrumental prowess that is unafraid to delve into the past glories and of course, a theatrical voice that tell stories like few other nationalities can, deeply engrained in the soul (or in this case, the sole) of the boot. The source of inspiration is the life of St-Nicholas, who happens to be the patron saint of Bari, as depicted in the cinematographic intro "1087", recalling the year when local sailors astutely hid the relics from their favored saint in Bari, just before the arrival of pillaging conquerors.

"Il Folle Miraggio" has the classic RPI introduction, acoustic guitar and magical flute interspersed with splashings waves to really set the tone, as the rhythm section enters ceremoniously and the lead vocalist begins his tale, insanely melodic and attractive, as the orchestrations fill out the background. The energy picks up when the organ, synthesizer and edgy guitars leap in on the action, a smooth as silk transition that seems effortless. The dual guitar set up weaves a complex web that also features a rapturous organ flurry and a final massive splash that threatens the crazy mirage illusion.

Definitely a spirited track, "Le Mie Figlie" (my two daughters) rekindling Saint Nicholas' reputation for helping the poor as well as rescuing girls from the evils of prostitution. The music is both sensibly tumultuous and heroic in its presentation, a heady combination of chaos and resolution. The singing is spotless and highly melancholic with massive moments of sighing "ahs" that culminate with a fiery electric guitar splurge that supress the need to worry further. A delicate piano section suggests a situation that has been resolved successfully.

The lengthiest piece is the nearly 9 minute "La Locanda Nella Notte" (The Night Inn), the spectral atmosphere suitably ghostly, with frightening organ swaths and grumbled vocals that come straight from the theater. When the soft voice enters to soothe the anxiety, the expressive words in between the melancholy violin accentuate the imminent salvation, another good deed from Saint Nick to the rescue of the unfortunate! A luminescent axe solo lights the petrol lamps that fight off the evil darkness.

As befits a typical celebration with Italians, it is always a banquet (Re: PFM's classic "E Festa" and "Il Banchetto") as "La Nostra Festa" ideally puts into music the carefree and jovial attitude made famous by the people, who constantly strive to enjoy the traditions of food, family, friends, and laughter, in copious amounts! All the delicacies are plated here, from the romantic flute musings, luscious keyboard entrees, chomping bass and kitchen sink drums to the hyper theatrical vocals that range from the bittersweet to the ragingly expressive. All the guests get their moment in the sun, displaying a "joie de vivre" that needs a Barese translation. A volcanic guitar eruption seals the deal, as the explosion simply rocks, melting the gelato in a jiffy! Absolutely fun track!

The highlight the strong Italian folk influence that makes RPI so intrinsically unique, "U Sand Nestè" has the intonations of the local dialect (Barese) spoken in Apuglia, that has all kinds of various influences from Old French, Spanish, Greek, Provencal, Oscan, and Messapian. Fascinating both melodically, lexically, and phonetically, a lovely little tribute to their proud city and region.

Definitely a band deserving of an even brighter future, as all the ingredients are first rate. Looking very much forward to a Hora Seconda!

4.5 Santa Clauses