DI CARNE, DI ANIMA

Earlier this year my mates and I on the RPI team had the pleasure of evaluating a new band for possible inclusion called Gran Turismo Veloce. On seeing a publicity photo of the band in red overalls I didn't have high hopes of this band fitting the RPI bill and was expecting something along the lines of the Italian equivalent to Devo. Looks however as is proved here can be deceptive and after listening to this band that has a clearly modern take on Italian prog yet still giving a nod to the past got my vote.

Di Carne, Di Anima is their first album and whilst I liked what I heard on my initial evaluation of the band having the whole album on Cd now in my possession I'm even more impressed. Gran Turismo Veloce are clearly a band not happy to regurgitate the great prog heritage Italy has from the seventies. The sharp production and streamlined compositions clearly mark them as a band for the current decade yet whilst much of the instrumentation has a modern sound - the razor sharp guitar riffs, the synths and some programing here and there, they still make good use of piano, organ, flute and even accordion which is where the most obvious seventies sounds come through.

The nine compositions are largely on the short side by prog standards with only a couple of tracks breaking the seven minute barrier but they still manage to pack plenty of ideas and inventive instrumental interplay into them. A hard band to pigeonhole they are often at the heavier end of the prog spectrum, sometimes drifting into metallic guitar riffs, jazz elements are present as are symphonic touches with some classically tinged piano playing. They counterbalance the heavier elements with plenty of restrained light and shade which is often piano driven and held together by some strong melodies and very good vocals. The standard of musicianship is excellent as are the compositions. The first half of the album is truly outstanding, which captures the band at their most inventive and captivating. The remainder however is not far behind making the album a very enjoyable listen as a whole.

For such a new band to make an album as strong as this for their debut bodes well for an exciting future and marks Gran Turismo Veloce as a band to keep an eye on. In my book they are up there with Pandora for the best RPI title of the year. Some stiff competition will have to come along to shift them from that spot.