CAMPO DI MARTE

Here I am, whith another mythic italian one shot band from the seventies. Yes, it is true. Italian prog scene from that time was incredibly huge. Hundreds of young talented musicians who were searching for wider success, for their lucky opportunity. There was no enough luck for all. though. Campo di Marte feature in the "unlucky" section, as many other their contemporaries bands as for example (first of all) the impressive "Museo Rosenbach".

So did Museo with the stunning "Zarathustra" masterpiece album. So did Campo di Marte with their excellent self titled debut album. Not as the same level of quality and tecnique, not even comparable with the inspiring concept idea of them. Despite that, an album worth of respect and higher reputation from any alert lover of the italian scene. Not very complex in arrangements, peculiar electric guitar sound...similar somehow and sometimes to the John Lees leed guitar in Barclay James Harvest. Melodic vein and structure is something the two bands share together. Even the peace and anti-war message is in common. For the rest the two bands are as far as the south pole from the north! This one to be precise for people who don't know nothing of one of them: I only have found some similarities. Nothing more.

Many are saying: what a beautiful cover art! They're right. That's what I've always thought of this album. Five (as the bands' members...what a concurrence!? Isn't it?!) soldiers from passed centuries. Five soldiers from the turkish army. What a strange thing: each one is specialized in a particular weapon. All are showing to enemy that they don't fear the pain. They hurt themselves with their weapons while standing on as for a photo click. Without shouting. Silently arrogant.

The concept structure is not so complicated. The album is divided in seven "times" (litteraly). I don't know if the expression is in use also for english speakers from the motherland! The word stand for "ACT", obviously. I know you know. The total running time is interesting thing to underline: another album over 40 mns long!

"First Act" (8,10 mns) opens with boldness. Electric guitar and bass going higher and higher. Drums always follow near them. Nice and mellow vocals introduce the listener into the contemplation of a war cemetery. Very soon into the hardcore part of the work. For me the most relevant track composed and performed by Campo di Marte.

"Second Act" (3,20 mns) is somehow foreseable played in softer and warmer vein with acoustic guitar and delicate flute whispers. Then soon came the surprise: the horns. Not as good as the ones you can hear in the Maxophone album but very enjoyable and refined.

With "Third Act" (6,20 mns) horror of war is coming back. A crazy electric guitar alternates with a nice duet between classic piano. Bass guitars claims for his role and contribution. Another harder one.

"Fourth Act" (3,15 mns): electric guitar screaming far away. Classic church organ have the scene. At least for a minute or so. Then the riff returns from the previous song.

"Fiveth Act" (5,57 mns): delicate and relaxing acoustic guitar for a unique travel between the hills of memory and thoughts. No pain, no fear. Only flute as it was a flight of birds who are welcoming spring. Then the song and its perspectice become wider...mellotron as it was the white clouds behind this idilliac scene. Some male choruses from the distance. No vocals.

"Sixth Act" (5,12 mns). We're on earth. This one to remember that we're always have benn on earth. Peace? Joy? Only illusions for man. Interesting horns for another time. Then the sinister atmosphere returns with nervous electric guitar. Few vocals. Romantic vocals sung. Then the sinister electric guiat of Enrico Rosa.

"Seventh Act" (8,30 mns) is the closer. The longer track of the entire album. Uncertain feel. A melodic walk interrupted sometimes by headlong fall.

Another record to pay attention to. Excellent.

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