AQUILE E SCOIATTOLI

After the very good ''Passio secundum Mattheum'',the good follow-up ''Papillion'' and a couple of singles the LATTE E MIELE trio disbanded to reform just a couple of years later as a quartet and only with drummer Alfio Vitanza from the original line-up.The result of this formation was taped on the new effort ''Aquile e scoiattoli''.

Despite the new-line up the band now seems more tight and the sound more convincing and balanced than ever.With similarities with LE ORME's style and career,''Aquile e scoiattoli'' finds LATTE E MIELE exploring more the synths possibilities and leaving the sound of organ or harpsichord behind.The result is not negative at all,on the opposite it seems this sound is promoting better the band's style.Four short tracks on the first side with symphonic textures,melodic lines and great vocals are followed by the easily-flowing 23-min. opus ''Pavana'' on the flipside,a georgeous melodic arrangement full of Classical references with jazzy bits here and there,comparable with the best of FOCUS and GENESIS,hints of whom can be met throughout the track.Flutes' and saxes' touches give ''Pavana'' an even richer and eclectic character.

The early LATTE E MIELE years close with their best work in my opinion.While the first two albums were good examples of Classical-influenced Italian Prog,''Aquile e scoiattoli'' has nothing less than Classic Prog albums created by giants like LE ORME or BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO,the album has a superb balanced atmosphere from the first to the last minute and if you want a work of LATTE E MIELE shining among your collection's items,this one is to grab.Highly recommended.