LA VALLE DEI TEMPLI

Perigeo were never the most innovtive band around but on each of the three preceding albums they managed to craft beautiful melodic jazz-rock, with careful interplay between all members and inspired and memorable melodies. On this album I hear a band that goes through the motions rather then one experiencing the excitement of earlier albums.

That doesn't mean there aren't any good tunes here, but the material doesn't always get of the ground. Maybe Perigeo looked too much across the Atlantic, trying to capture the easy going vibe that Return To Forever had made fame wih in the 74/75 releases. And just as on the previous album they gave up on the vocals, which were one the few things that made them special. I also miss the poetic atmosphere, the subtle melodies and functional soloing. With Tamale, The Firefly Mystery and 2002 Nights there are a couple of songs that will make this a good album for fans but I wouldn't advise this Perigeo album to newcomers.

La Valle Dei Templi is the sound of a band on auto-pilot. It is nice, smooth and professional but also predictable, safe and dull. I haven't investigated any later Perigeo albums, but given how I hear the decline setting in here, I certainly don't feel the need to do so. Just a small 3 stars.