CLOWNS

"Clowns" is a classic RPI album from 1973 and the final studio album from the band. For most the vocals will be the "make" or "break" factor.Yes his voice has character but it's not for everyone. Instrumentally there's no question that this band was abundantly talented.

"Clessidra" opens with some atmosphere as dissonant horns then a beat arrives. A full sound follows. Guitar to the fore before 2 minutes then it settles with vocals before picking back up quickly.This is great ! The organ is prominant here too. "Un'isola" opens with reserved vocals and this has such a classic RPI sound to it. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes but the tempo continues to shift back and forth until before 2 1/2 minutes when it kicks in with vocals. It settles back before 7 1/2 minutes as reserved vocals return as that intro sound is reprised. So good.

"Il Giardino Dei Sogni" is the first track where the vocals get theatrical and therefore difficult to digest. It's building and then we get contrasts between the mellow and more powerful sections. Some nice guitar 2 1/2 minutes in. Great sound before 4 1/2 minutes with the vocals and organ standing out. "Clown" opens with organ,bass and drums as we get a good solid sound.The piano replaces the organ.The vocals before 1 1/2 minutes are passionate. Guitar to the fore after 3 minutes. A calm 6 minutes in then it builds. Strings too. Sax and a jazzy vibe take over 7 1/2 minutes in then it kicks in after 8 1/2 minutes.Vocals after 9 minutes with guitar. "Una Vita Nuova" is pastoral with fragile vocals to start.The vocals stop as piano and a fuller sound arrive before 3 minutes. Horns 5 minutes in to end it.

I was surprised at how good this was, i'd heard about the vocals and so was prepared but like I said earlier I would describe them as having character and they're entertaining as well. Excellent album !