*. Thieves' Kitchen .*

Album: One For Sorrow, Two For Joy (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Eclectic/Neo/Folk)  /  UK

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.One for Sorrow, Two for Joy
02.Deor
03.Hypatia
04.A Fool's Journey
05.Germander Speedwell
06.The Weaver
07.Of Sparks and Spires

Line-up / Musicians
Amy Darby / Vocals
Phil Mercy / Guitars
Thomas Johnson / Keyboards
Guests:
Paul Mallyon / Drums (Sanguine Hum)
Brad Waissman / Bass (Sanguine Hum)
Anna Holmgren / Flute (Anglagard)

RATING:  ???????????

.

*. Fauns .*

Album: LeafFall (2007)
Genre: Prog Rock (Prog Folk/Neo)  /  Germany

Today's lesson is on musical alchemy and interbreeding, German style. Take the two progressive bands from that country both named FAUN and blend them together, then fold in the classic CAROL OF HARVEST disk from 1978 and a postdoc in Tolkien, gestate a few years longer than normal and "deliver" a mature litter of FAUNS in the form of their debut full length disk, "Leaffall". The medieval group FAUN has imprinted its somewhat dark acoustic reverie here, and the moodily metallic blasts and jarring shifts recall the neo prog group (who nonetheless exuded almost as much folk personality as a neo group can) FAUN from the late 90s. The brilliant album closer "Cuiviénen" sounds better with every listen and meets the quality standards of the original tracks from CAROL of HARVEST. If you don't know any of these bands, let me just say that a couple of the more sprightly tracks owe much to what JETHRO TULL delivered on "Songs from the Wood", but the vocalists contribute to a fluidity that Mr Anderson knew enough not to attempt. For all its alternating grunge attack and elfin musings, this is a cohesive work with an undercurrent of the otherworldly and underworldly coursing through it and bursting forth determinedly. A congenial companion for the Fall to come. Review by "kenethlevine" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

.

*. David Cross .*

Album: Alive In The Underworld (2008)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Exp./Jazz)  /  UK

Alive In The Underworld album by David Violin Cross / Keyboards was released Sep 30, 2008 on the Noisy label. .2008 release from David Cross, the former King Crimson violinist. Alive In The Underworld features nine live versions of tracks drawn from four David Cross albums and demonstrates a Metal edge to Progressive Rock. Alive In The Underworld music CDs The 10th track, 'Floodlights', is a studio recording from 2005. Alive In The Underworld songs King Crimson fans will be excited to hear Cross' live versions of 'Exiles', 'Starless' and '21st Century Schizoid Man'. Noisy. Alive In The Underworld CD music contains a single disc with 10 songs.

Excellent CD. Sounds like King Crimson in the 1970s. David Cross' playing is strong and melodic. The band is fine-tuned, excellent sound. Covers of STARLESS and EXILES, Crimson classics, is excellent. The original material from David Cross Band is performed well, too. Review by "David E. Johnson" (www.amazon.com).

RATING:  8.5 / 10

.

*. Il Rovescio della Medaglia .*

Album: Vitae (1993)
Genre: Prog Rock (Hard Rock/Pop/AOR)  /  Italy

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Randy
02.Bella come il Peccato
03.Un amore di colore
04.Fa un sorriso
05.Ammutinati
06.Vasi Communicanti
07.Dentro di te
08.Vivi e lascia vivere
09.Nel mio esistere

Line-up / Musicians
Eric Daniels / sax
Piero Mariani / drums
Stefano Galante / keyboards
Salvatore Flauto / vocals
Eugene Rutherford / bass
Enzo Vita / guitar

RATING:  6.5 / 10

.

*. Creef .*

Album: Good Herbs (1988)
Genre: Psychedelic Folk (Prog/Pop/Rock)  /  Canada

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.My Love Come Soon
02.Amanita Muscaria
03.As The Crow Flies
04.So Tell Me
05.What Do You Hear
06.LSD Rain
07.The Took
08.Miracles

Line-up / Musicians
Peter Creef / Guitar, vocals
Brother John / Drums
Jammin / Bass
John Hair / Piano organ

RATING:  7.75 / 10

.

*. Casa del Vento .*

Album: Pane e Rose (2002)
Genre: Prog Folk (Rock/Pop)  /  Italy

Tradizione e rivoluzione, amore per le radici e fiducia verso una possibilità di progresso del mondo verso condizioni d’esistenza migliori. Questa dicotomia fa da sfondo a quel filone, particolarmente prolifico nel nostro paese, solitamente etichettato come combat-folk. Le radici musicali di un popolo diventano lo strumento per la denuncia di tutte le ingiustizie sociali che lo stesso popolo subisce. Da questo presupposto prende forma anche la proposta musicale dei Casa del vento, che costruiscono il loro percorso artistico all’interno di questo movimento in cui il folk si sposa con un’attitudine rock e con testi rivolti all’impegno politico e alla denuncia sociale. ”Pane e rose” costituisce il terzo capitolo di un lungo cammino che, partendo da un primo cd autoprodotto (“Senza bandiera”), passa attraverso un’importante collaborazione nel 2001 con il cantante dei Modena City Ramblers in un cd a nome “Cisco e la Casa del vento”. E’ proprio dai più popolari Modena che bisogna partire per avere un’idea piuttosto chiara della proposta della band, tanto da poter definire i due gruppi come progetti musicalmente gemelli: allo stesso modo del gruppo modenese i Casa del vento attingono, infatti, a piene mani alla tradizione folk fondendo diverse culture, da quella irlandese a quella centroamericana e gitana, rivolgendo uno sguardo anche verso i più vicini balcani; tutte quante rimescolate e rivisitate con lo spirito dei canti di protesta italiani. Nei tredici episodi del cd musiche dal sapore popolare diventano inni di protesta e grida di dolore verso tutto quel marcio che da sempre imbeve la realtà sociale che ci circonda: le atmosfere del folk irlandese, da quelle rarefatte e oniriche alla Chieftains (Pane e rose) alle frenesie ipnotiche dei Pogues (Genova chiama, Alla corte del re) si fondono con abilità ad influenze che odorano di cultura latino-americana (Treno per Galway, Indios del mondo), a melodie che ricordano un Goran Bregovic in vacanza nella pianura padana (Indios del mondo ancora e Terra nella terra), tutto quanto riletto da una sensibilità rock che continuamente ricorda il lavoro dei nostrani Gang (Hermanos, Hermano, Figli della montagna). Naturalmente è inutile cercare accenni d’originalità in una musica che fonda il proprio percorso su un recupero quasi filologico delle radici musicali, dove la cultura popolare si fa espressione di una controcultura, e che vede nella lotta sociale la propria ragion d’essere. I testi sono fortemente influenzati dall’adesione del gruppo alle tematiche del Forum sociale italiano (il cui movimento è strumentalmente definito No global dai media), per il quale hanno contribuito alla raccolta di fondi, partecipando al cd “Genova chiama” allegato al Manifesto: Genova chiama e La canzone di Carlo sono infatti due veri e propri inni per il movimento contro il processo di globalizzazione neoliberale. L’onestà e il fervore delle parole non salvano però le canzoni da toni troppo ingenui e demagogici, che tendono a semplificare i problemi sociali in una lotta manicheistica fra giusti e sfruttatori… Ha senso ancora rivolgersi alla lotta di classe quando l’unico desiderio degli sfruttati sembra essere quello di diventare come gli sfruttatori? E’ il re la bestia divoratrice o non piuttosto i sudditi che inneggiano e si prostrano al suo cospetto sperando di essere un giorno come lui? Il popolo ha ancora una coscienza o l’ha impegnata per un auto e un telefono nuovi? Per appassionati. 
Recensioni di "Max Sanseverinati" (www.kathodik.it).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Metro .*

Album: Čupave glave (1983)
Genre: Hard Rock (Prog/Heavy)  /  Serbia

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.U Krizi Sam
02.Ustani I Pevaj
03.Probudi Se Generacijo
04.Kad Uđeš U Svet Paklenih Anđela
05.Veruj Mi
06.Čupave Glave
07.Grebator
08.Društvo Za Provod

Line-up / Musicians
Branko Savic / vocals
Sasa Krstic / keyboards
Ivan Maksimovic / guitar
Petar Maksimovic / bass
Zdravko Lalic / drums

RATING:  7 / 10

.

*. T .*

Album: Psychoanorexia (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Ambient/Crossover/Exp.)  /  Germany

The fourth album of Thomas Thielen was written between 2010 and 2012. The songs sound like a mix of modern crossover-prog like Radiohead or Archive and modern neoprog like Marillion. The warm but sometimes also lonesome voice of Thielen leads the listener through the concept of a deep psychological story with pictographic and also associative lyrics. The melodies transporting the lyrics spread these typical doleful atmosphere. As usual t plays all the instruments by himself. The synthetic elements of his former albums have vanished a bit. Therefore you can listen to a relaxed rock guitar more often than before. Also a strong symphonic character has risen up. Three of four tracks last 20 minutes, which gives the songs the possibility to develop themselves very intensely. "The Aftermath of Silence" and "The Irrelevant Lovesong" veer towards crossover, while "Kryptonite Monologues" and "Psychoanorexia" are more a kind of playground for artpop and (neo) progressive rock. Especially Kryptonite Monologues" is a wild ride through progressive worlds. The atmosphere of the music is still melancholic and reflective. But there are also rousing outbreaks full of power. All the different aspects of the music are unified by t in a appropriate way. Once again he has managed to combine traditional neo prog with modern crossover in a compelling way. All is well and for sure "psychoanorexia" is a very good additon to any prog collection, but if Thielen could compose even more catchy melodies I would give all the stars. Review by "jerrycornelius" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

.

*. Faun .*

Album: Von den Elben (2013)
Genre: Prog Folk (Celtic/Medieval Folk)  /  Germany

FAUN combines ancient instruments with modern influences to create an enchanting and powerful atmosphere. The band's performances incorporates with up to three voices chant and employs many different instruments. For example: Celtic harp, nyckelharpa, various lyres, bagpipes, large Japanese taiko drums, cister, Pagan zither, flutes and even Arabic instruments like dombra, rebab, riq, oud, darabukka and bendir. Influences of Celtic folk, medieval music and Arabic rhythmic tones fusing with driving beats draws an ever fast growing crowd of followers. (www.facebook.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Mit Dem Wind
02.Diese Kalte Nacht
03.Von Den Elben
04.Tanz Mit Mir (Duett Mit Santiano)
05.Schrei Es In Die Winde
06.Wilde Rose
07.Wenn Wir Uns Wiedersehen
08.Bring Mich Nach Haus
09.Welche Sprache Spricht Dein Herz
10.Andro II
11.Minne 2013 (Duett Mit Subway To Sally)
12.Thymian & Rosmarin
13.Warte Auf Mich

RATING:  8 / 10   **GREAT**

.

*. Syzygy .*

Album: A Glorious Disturbance (2012)(Live)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Symphonic/Heavy)  /  USA

Finally,our beloved band managed to release this ambitious project-a triple album,charged with 2 DVDs and a great LIVE cd...a dream that comes true,a great achievement for this extremelly talanted band-one of the surest values of the American prog rock scene -crossover prog-or I don't know how to call their style?Anyway-on this triple album,we can admire the amazing technical capacities of the band and the great talent at compositions too!On stage- the guys are like a fish in the bowl-relaxed and masters of their own skills,which are very impressive,I must say!MARK BOALS is trully inspired and fits better and better with the band,he finds here an unique vocal style-really different with what we know from him with MALMSTEEN,7 THE HARD WAY,RING OF FIRE or THE CODEX!SYZYGY's music is very progressive and the technical wizardry from the guys makes to have a very complete and complex musical message-so Boals must find a very clever and complicated way to push his vocals into the whole ensemble!And he did it with class and style!The compositions get another dimension on stage-that's true-and I really admire and respect the great musical alchemy between all the guys in the band-very solid and strong cohesion -musically speaking! The quality of the footage is impressive-crystal clear and wonderful image-each musician is well filmed and we can see how difficult and complex is to perform such high caliber prog rock music!!We have many songs from the previous 3 albums of the band and 2 fabulous cover tracks-IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT of UK is blastering and DEEP PURPLE'S BURN is astonishig! This album is definitelly a must have for SYZYGY fans especially-but not only-a great addition in the collection of each good prog rock music-a testimony of how good prog rock music should be performed and composed-and I really appreciate the devotion and passion of the guys-they managed to have a solid reputation in the prog rock community-without any label behind!That's impressive indeed!Overall,this album is a true jewel and the definitive prove thet SYZYGY is a band with a strong identity and personaliyty and they still have many years ahead to offer to their fans good music! Review by "Ovidiu" (Prog Archives).
 
RATING:  9 / 10   **FANTASTIC**

.

*. Oblivion Sun .*

Album: The High Places (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Eclectic/Crossover/Symphonic)  /  USA

Oblivion Sun proudly presents the much anticipated release of The High Places, featuring founding members of progressive rock s legendary Happy the Man. The band s second offering is loaded with complex and daring musical twists, along with lush symphonic dimensions and tightly crafted vocals. This is musical storytelling at its best! Founding Happy The Man members Frank Wyatt and Stanley Whitaker re-emerge with a revamped lineup including bassist David Hughes and drummer Bill Brasso, and an exciting new album, The High Places. (www.amazon.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Deckard
02.March Of The Mushroom Men
03.Everything
04.Dead Sea Squirrels
05.The High Places - My Eyes
06.The High Places - Awakening
07.The High Places - Flowers
08.The High Places - The Rules
09.The High Places - The Cage
10.The High Places - Our Eyes

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Zenit .*

Album: The Chandrasekhar Limit (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Neo Prog)  /  Switzerland

On Zenit’s new album „The Chandrasekhar Limit“ (69 minutes), Andy Thommen (formerly Clepsydra), affixes a seal with his distinctive bass play right from the start of the first song (“Awaken”). Later, with the start of the guitar, you will somewhat be reminded of the Clepsydra sound: awesome guitar-bass team play! Here you start with what you expect to get from this brilliant album: quality. The marvelous long tracker “Matrimandir” (17 minutes), brings a breath of oriental sounds in a very subtle but delicate way without being brash, despite the Sanskrit lyrics now and then. One of the best long tracker of recent times clocking around 25 minutes, is “The Daydream Suite” that brings reminiscences of Pink Floyd and all the other stuff a prog suite should have: crazy keyboard solos, melodic guitar lines, cool bass parts and complex choirs, harmoniously in action. The rocking instrumental sound of “Pulsar”, the sweet and sinful ballad “Cub Lady” and the screaming-jazzy “PiGreco” song, jointly make up an impressive and progressive rock album of the 21st century. (http://cdshop.galileo-records.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Awaken (12:01)
02.Cub Lady (2:39)
03.PiGreco (7:19)
04.Matrimandir (17:03)
05.Pulsar (5:50)
06.The Daydream Suite (24:00)

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **GREAT**

.

*. Persimfans .* (Remaster + Bonus)

Album: Quinta Dimensione (1978)(Remaster 2000 + 8 Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych./Electronic/Avant Garde)  /  Italy

Persimfans is a very strange late entry of the classic RPI era, the album being released in 1978 when RPI was in decline. This one bucked the trend however and is not only very good but still highly imaginative and with an experimental edge. The band was a bunch of music students from Genova who named their group after a "conductorless" Russian orchestra of the 1920s, the Pervyi Simfonicheskii Ansambl. Persimfans takes that independent and unorthodox approach to music and delivers a most intriguing album that should thrill fans of Franco Battiato's 70s work and perhaps Opus Avantra. Augusto Croce writes that Persimfans "mixed together classical and avantgarde music with electronic and traditional instruments." While I don't usually steal my own evaluation comments for my review, in this case I'm going to share them as I think my enthusiasm for the album comes through, and that's what I'd like to convey. With just minor edits these are the notes I blathered at my RPI teammates: "It's a gorgeous piece of work with all kinds of luscious atmospheres, sometimes like Goblin as Todd suggested with some Classical and avant garde components. Great keys, haunting female vocals here and there, with an emphasis on piano, mellotron, and acoustic guitars. While not like the big Italian groups it has serious RPI mood and feels very influenced by Battiato to me. It's an album that screams to be in my RPI collection personally while obviously not being textbook stuff. Check out those choirs coming in and out during "Space!" The guitars in "Grand Nero" and "Heat" have an ominous quality also typical of the darker RPI groups. For a bunch of students I can't believe the quality I'm hearing, the discipline, and the maturity. This album blows my mind." Those notes were from my initial impression and have not changed. The pieces move along like a soundtrack almost, with one idea leading to the next mostly unrelated musical impression. The only common denominator is a mysterious, somewhat melancholic aura of great beauty that comes from the melodies. Sometimes I feel like I've heard these passages in another life or something. Spacious yet unsettling, you never know what is going to creep up on your next. Those alluring siren vocals? Some odd percussion stuff? A brief bit of fusion? Or one of the many strange acoustic guitar melodies countered with piano or electronics. Like the best RPI there is an element of danger, mischief, and not much convention. For what was likely a low budget one-shot group with no commercial potential, the recording and sound quality are really quite good. While I won't call this essential, in my estimation this recording is nearly a must for serious RPI fans and avant-garde music fans. Hunt it down, you won't regret it. The original LP had spoken word vocals over the music while the CD reissues drops them. I've only heard the latter, and even without those vocals is it great. The original LP would be interesting but also much more difficult to find. I don't say this often, but this is one album I wish was twice as long. While admittedly not an album "for any prog collection" I still need to go four stars here because I loved it and I think it is excellent. Review by "Finnforest" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Aura Noctis .*

Album: Itineris I (2011)
Genre: Neoclassical (Darkwave/Folk/Ethereal)  /  Spain

Presenting the debut album from this enchanting duo. img It comes packaged in a standard jewel case with a small booklet featuring beautiful cover art in a wintry landscape featuring the two key instruments: a piano and cello. The imagery of the music is captured well across eleven spellbinding tracks that hold listeners entranced throughout the duration. The album starts off dark and brooding with "Ad Occasum Tendimus Omnes", much like the darker tracks from Arcana with a lot of heavy, deep layered electronics and percussion with subtle piano and the chanting, angelic vocals to soften and accent it all. Yet even with the heavy sound, it still comes out beautifully and sets the stage for what has become a new all-time favorite album. Each piece on this album is a masterpiece as we drift from these heavier, darker pieces to the dreamier neo-classical sounds. Sometimes in the form of captivating instrumentals featuring excellent piano compositions moving along with subtle cello and other layered, synthesized sounds. Accented at times with bombastic percussion or featuring spellbinding, angelic vocals from one or both artists. Favorites on this album could easily be every piece with the variety and beauty across the entire album. Songs like "D.e.S." as mostly an instrumental piece with the vocals not forming any intelligible vocals, but rather becoming an instrument in and of themselves. Other instrumental pieces like "Progresiva" are absolutely mesmerizing with the swift moving piano along with the cello forming a lilting rhythm that moves along, ebbing and flowing dreamily. There is a trio of instrumental pieces later on with "Erste Reise", "Zweite Reise" and "Dritte Reise" which are each beautiful in their own way. These instrumental pieces have a life and soul of their own that really shine on this album like many of the great classics and neo-classical masterpieces alike. A few tracks on the album are made up of pieces which do feature more distinct vocals like "Solitude" with beautiful harmonies featuring both vocalists softly lilting and drifting over the somber mix of instruments real and synthetic. A definite favorite early on when their precursor 3-track teaser was released is "Breaking Thoughts". The harmonies mix operatic with clear, soft and sweet vocals for a unique, lovely style. My absolute favorite piece on this album is the simple and sweet finale "Encontrarte". The vocals are sweet and simple, sung in spanish (the only track on the album in spanish) and absolutely captivating as they move sweetly along over the mix of somber cello and beautiful, classic piano compositions. As this piece winds down, I'm left breathless, wanting more and simply wanting to stand and give these two a grand ovation for their excellent work. I can't recommend this enough for fans of sToa, Dargaard and Arcana. Pick it up, listen to it and love it! Review by "Gothic Paradise" (www.gothicparadise.com).

RATING:  8.25 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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*. Delirio Sonoro .*

Album: Delirio Sonoro (1992)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Psychedelic)  /  Italy

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Intro: The Dream
02.Strange Fruit
03.Emily
04.Tyrannical Rule
05.Maoam
06.Dark Father
07.She Snapped the Stick Over Her Knee
08.The Bonny Earl of Murray
09.Emily Theme

Line-up / Musicians
Roberto Cruciani / bass
Alessandro Piscini / guitars
Saulo Chiaramoni / vocals
Daniele Santini / drums, percussion, computer, keyboards, samples, tapes, vocals
Antonio Pirolli / guitar (track 3)
Cristiano Michelangeli / voice (track 2)

RATING:  6.5 / 10

.

*. Föllakzoid .*

Album: II (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psychedelic Space Rock/Krautrock)  /  Chile

Standing at the foot of the Andes mountains in Santiago, I imagine there’s something infinitely more mystical about Föllakzoid, the krautrock quartet who call the Chilean capital their home. In the thousands of miles and over 30 years between krautrock’s origin in Germany and II‘s origin in Chile, it’s almost too remarkable how little has gotten lost in translation. The quartet, which includes members of fellow Chilean psych group The Holydrug Couple, spreads the dark wings of the motorik groove across five tracks that span almost 50 minutes. Something gets lost in translation when listening to the album here in the US. The kid-mazes of krautrock come just a little too easy, and they stay too close to the paths carved by their forebears. The rhythm section is wound tight on every song and Juan Pablo’s bass provides just as much, if not more energy than Diego’s precision drumming. The duo’s synchronicity is remarkable, creating a near-perfect chassis for each song to ride on. “Rivers” keeps a perfect two-step feel, and “Trees” drives all night, hands wet on the wheel. But the other half of the band strays from the economy of the rhythm section, effectively creating grooves that stretch, trance, and drone, but never dance in jazz structures like Can, nor dabble in outer-sonics like The Silver Apples. The flowing raga of the 15-minute “Pulsar” does more marking time then meditating. Standout track “Trees” plays with polyryhthms within a tightly sewn pocket, and starts to morph into something of a journey. But once you get to the end of the song, you won’t need a map to get through it again. I would be eager to see Föllakzoid take on these tracks in a live setting — to see the interplay between the four long-time friends bring the vim of their homeland to life. The spirit of the group is only half-formed here, with the other half still left somewhere in the streets of Santiago. Review by "Jeremy D. Larson" (http://consequenceofsound.net).

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Modena City Ramblers (M.C.R.) .*

Album: Riportando tutto a casa (1994)
Genre: Prog Folk (Contemporary Folk)  /  Italy

Di tanto in tanto il rock torna ad abbeverare il suo endemico meticciato alla fonte di una musica popolare diversa, traendo nuova energia da questi innamoramenti periodici. D'altronde anche da noi Tenco aveva auspicato, mentre preparava il disco che poi non fece per ben noti motivi, che anche gli italiani "come gli americani" imparassero a pescare nella loro ricca tradizione popolare. Tra gli '80 e i '90, da una parte era il turno di Mano Negra e Negresses Vertes con cui la Francia guadagnava un posto al sole (mai avuto in ambito rock) riscoprendo le radici musicali dei suoi immigrati; dall'altra era l'Irlanda, miticamente grazie agli U2 e musicalmente ai Pogues, ad essersi ricavata un posto nel cuore del pubblico come folk del momento. Il 1990, poi, aveva scosso col fenomeno delle posse il circuito indipendente nostrano togliendo il monopolio della canzone politica alle raffinatezze tra avanguardia e meta- dei CCCP e portando alla luce gruppi che con l'hip hop in senso stretto c'entravano poco (Statuto, Banda Bassotti, Mau Mau). Questi ultimi erano in linea con la contemporanea direzione di certi Gang che, oltre ad aver riabituato il pubblico alla fisarmonica (seguiti poi dagli Yo-Yo Mundi), avevano riportato la canzone di protesta dal punk alla musica popolare (un po' come il Joe Strummer che andava in tournée appunto con i Pogues) con una virata dallo stile London Calling alla nostra tradizione cantautorale. Così, quando una banda di delinqueint e M'dna innamorata dei Chieftains arriva al disco, lo fa andando ad occupare una casella vuota ma abbondantemente preparata, con una precisione che se non fosse per l'ideologia più che manifesta farebbe pensare a una magistrale operazione di marketing (ossia di prodotto costruito seguendo le indagini di mercato). Il mix di elementi che il gruppo riporta a casa (il titolo Dylaniano non è davvero un vezzo), svecchiando la canzone politica della sua aura epico-rurale, sembra infatti mirato apposta per piacere a un pubblico giovane orientato a sinistra: l'elemento dialettale (rivalutato da alcune posse), l'Irlanda di cui s'è detto omaggiata in apertura con la dichiarazione d'amore di In un giorno di pioggia, Stefano Benni (il testo della bellissima Ahmed l'ambulante, ritmi Negresses e sound celtico), la tradizione comunista delle loro terre (il vivace quadro di grande storia vista dal basso de I funerali di Berlinguer) e una serie di personaggi che si aggiungeranno nei dischi successivi (Paolo Rossi, Guccini, Marquez…). A far funzionare tutta l'operazione ci sono un bel talento melodico italiano accompagnato da una mano felice nel fonderlo con quello irish, oltre a una coesione esplosiva non solo live: per trasformare infatti Bella ciao in un letale riempipista alt ce ne vuole, soprattutto se in organico non hai una batteria (arriverà ad album praticamente finito) ma solo il bodhran e gli spoon. Il monolite ideologico è interrotto da quadri più intimisti (Morte di un poeta, Ninnananna) e stemperato nell'ironia della traduzione in dialetto della geldofiana The Great Song Of Indifference, che chiude il trittico di cover aperto da Contessa. Quest'ultima però creerà qualche problema: il disco esce nella data simbolica di marzo del '94, inizio della cosiddetta Seconda Repubblica, ed evidentemente gli anni '80 non sono passati invano se il testo di Pietrangeli, reo di aver turbato la sensibilità di una parte del pubblico, verrà leggermente modificato con conseguente dissenso dell'autore dell'originale e depennamento finale dalle scalette dei concerti. Un problema inatteso per un gruppo che da qui in avanti assumerà il ruolo, attribuito fino a quel punto a Guccini, di idolo polemico prediletto di chi per gusto (o differente fronte di impegno) aborrisce il cosiddetto cantare "impegnato". Recensioni di "Giulio Pasquali" (www.sentireascoltare.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Persijski Tepih .*

Album: Tartufi (1986)
Genre: Soft Prog (Rock/Pop)  /  Serbia

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Fisher (5:54)
02.British Airways (5:33)
03.Summer Smile (3:32)
04.Gaga Reggae (3:52)
05.16 Beat (4:19)
06.Dawn (4:44)
07.Summer Dream (4:55)
08.Race For The Money (4:20)

Line-up / Musicians
Zoran Spasić / guitar, vocals, Keyboards
Dragana Smiljković / bass
Zlatibor Kramarić / drums

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Le Porte Non Aperte .*

Album: Golem (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Folk)  /  Italy

Imbottito di cortisone e punture, a causa di una vigliacca bronchite che mi ha colpito alle spalle, viaggio tra divani e letti, come un lombrico in cerca di un sasso, dove poter riposare senza essere notato. Nel frattempo, butto un occhio alla posta di Deliri in attesa, di essere folgorato da qualcosa, che intrighi la mia apatia bronchitesca. Tra le mail, mi appare la presentazione di una band fiorentina: "LE PORTE NON APERTE". Il nome mi stuzzica e comincio a girellare sulla rete, alla ricerca di chissà, qualsiasi cosa potessi trovare. Sapete quando avete quella strana sensazione di aver fame di qualcosa? Quando cominci a mangiucchiare un pezzetto di schiacciata, a piccoli morsi e poi alla fine non ne puoi più e con una voglia disumana, la finisci dilaniandola a morsi, con quella fame che si assopisce solo all'ultimo boccone? Questo è quello che è successo a me, dopo aver letto la mail di presentazione della band in questione. Dopo aver trovato alcuni video, recensioni di altri colleghi e dopo aver letto gli allegati alla mail, sento la fame aumentare ogni minuto di più e la schiacciata, ormai usata in questa metafora rock .... la schiacciata rock... (mmm buona questa ... in tutti i sensi), ormai era preda della mia fame rock. Filo di getto sul My Space della band e do il via all'ascolto. Rimango basito, di come, proprio in quel momento, i miei medicinali puramente curativi, che viaggiano da qualche giorno nel mio corpo, si erano impossessati di me facendomi credere che il suono di LE PORTE NON APERTE, mi avesse riportato indietro nel tempo, agli anni settanta, peccato, era bello, stavo sognando di essere chissà dove e più tenevo gli occhi chiusi più volavo tra campi di margherite e girasoli, scuotevo al vento i miei capelli lunghi e..... qui mi sono reso conto di tutto: ho aperto gli occhi e non avevo i capelli lunghi ... (magari venti anni fa, adesso non proprio), ma la musica che ascoltavo, quella era vera, non era un sogno, una miscela ardita di Premiata Forneria Marconi, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Le Orme, non tralasciando spruzzate di Jethro Tull e due gocce di Deep Purple.... anche ... (e qui forse subentra di nuovo il mio stato pseudo febbrile), qualcosa dei Litfiba, epoca primordiale. Tanta roba!!!!!!!!!!!!! Un aperitivo così, va saputo fare perché se non riesce, si rischia la figuraccia più atroce. Ma qui invece si va sul sicuro, L.P.N.A. sanno suonare eccome, non sbagliano niente e ci mettono molto del suo, per far sì che questo aperitivo musicale diventi una cena di gala. Sandro Parrinello - Vocals, Filippo Mattioli - Organ,Synth, Jacopo Fallai - Guitars, Marco Brenzini - Flute, Giulio Sieni - Drums, sono loro i componenti di questa band che ha osato, ciò che non si dovrebbe mai fare, ovvero mettersi alla pari di cotanti mostri sacri, e giocare alla pari. In piena crisi economica, le nostre Porte sciorinano una musica, che trasmette voglia di alzarsi e ribellarsi, come accadeva negli anni '70 a chi, vivendo in quell'epoca, si accendeva l'animo ribelle, con la musica dei mostri sacri di quel momento. A fine dicembre LE PORTE NON APERTE hanno dato alle stampe un album dal titolo "GOLEM", ciò che ho ascoltato è solo una breve parte e so di per certo che sentiremo parlare molto di loro, come so di per certo che la mia fame è in aumento e la schiacciata è finita ed io ho ancora molta fame. Recensioni di "Roberto Bruno" (www.deliriprogressivi.com).

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Concept .* (Remaster + Bonus)

Album: Invasion (1979)(Remaster 2008 + 2 Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psychedelic/Symphonic/Exp.)  /  Canada

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.What's Good What's Bad
02.Light To Live, Love To Give
03.Concept's Invasion
04.Condensed Energy
05.Conquest
06.Oh I Would Like
07.World Of Conviction
08.Elininate The Bill (bonus)
09.Pour Une Paveur (bonus)

Line-up / Musicians
Peter Riden / guitar, vocals
Robert C. Schwelb / keyboards, vocals
Marc Ulus / bass, flute, sax, vocals
Pier Heiken / drums, percussion, keyboards, vocals

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Illuminate .*

Album: ZwischenWelten (2012)
Genre: Darkwave (Gothic Rock/Electronic)  /  Germany

ILLUMINATE manage to combine classical elements, dance rhythms, electronic sound collages, romantic piano parts and heavy guitars without being unfaithful to their typical, unmistakable sound. After seventeen years of band history, 12 studio albums, world-wide life-performances, and having an enormous fan-base, ILLUMINATE are one of the most successful acts of the Alternative / Dark Wave-segment.

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Intro: "Die Im Dunkeln..."
02.ZwischenWelten
03.Du Bist Alles
04.Neue Welt
05.WoAnders
06.Es Gab Uns Einst
07.Ultima Phoenix
08.Krank
09.Verloren

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Oktogon .*

Album: Nešto Se Ruši Oko Nas (1989)
Genre: Soft Prog (Rock/Pop)  /  Croatia

I DON'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BAND

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Skupe cure
02.Opet na putu
03.Zona sumraka
04.Gloria
05.Nevoljo i nesrećo
06.Kiše dolaze
07.Ne boj se
08.Ona još ne zna
09.Koji mi je bio vrag
10.Sanjam
11.Na drugoj strani meseca
Total Time: 46:23

RATING:  6.75 / 10

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*. Anne Briggs .* (Reissue)

Album: Sing a Song for You (1973)(Reissue 1996)
Genre: Prog Folk (English Folk/Contemporary Folk)  /  UK

Like Davey Graham, the English guitarist hailed as an influence by Jansch, Renbourn, Page, Townshend, et al, Anne Briggs is known today principally for her influence on a whole school of British female folksingers, most famously Sandy Denny but also including Jacqui McShee, Norma Waterson, Maddy Prior, June Tabor, etc. And, as with Graham, with the passage of time it's hard to see exactly what all the fuss was about. Briggs had a beautiful soprano, it's true; she also had a hard time  staying anywhere near the notes she was supposed to be singing and on at least one track here she's just flat. Recorded in 1973, this record mixes traditional material with self-penned songs, and a few of these -- "I Thought I Saw You Again", the title track and especially the wonderful "Summer's In" -- are real quality. At the same time, it's hard to dispel the thought that if Briggs hadn't made her sudden withdrawal from music just before the scheduled release of this album (which was then delayed for almost a quarter of a century), she may not have achieved the same cult status. Review by "BradL" (Rate Your Music).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Elephants of Scotland .*

Album: Home Away From Home (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Geograph
02.Full Power
03.Starboard
04.The Seed
05.Home Away From Home
06.Errol McSquisitor

Line-up / Musicians
Dan MacDonald / bass
Ornan McLean / drums
Adam Rabin / keyboards, vocals
John M Whyte / guitar, vocals

RATING:  8.25 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. La Maschera di Cera .*

Album: Le Porte Del Domani (2013)
Album: The Gates of Tomorrow (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  Italy

Con un gioco di parole forse un po’ scontato potremmo dire che La Maschera di Cera ha gettato la maschera e affronta con questo "Le Porte del Domani" la sua sfida più difficile e coraggiosa: quella di confrontarsi in modo diretto con la grande stagione del progressive italiano, con un immenso atto d’amore che però è anche una sfida aperta e vinta soprattutto con coloro che guardano con sufficienza e distacco all’ultima generazione del prog. E cosa di più arduo e affascinante potevano osare Fabio Zuffanti & friends se non scrivere un sequel di "Felona e Sorona” delle Orme? Sono passati quaranta anni da quello che è considerato uno dei capolavori del prog italiano, un concept sulla sfida e l’impossibile coesistenza fra due pianeti, uno perennemente illuminato dalla luce e l’altro sprofondato nell’oscurità: ebbene quella storia giunge ora narrativamente a conclusione con questo sesto album della Maschera. Se l’album delle Orme finiva con lo strumentale Ritorno al Nulla, La Maschera di Cera mette come prima traccia di questa lunga suite di 45’ divisa in nove movimenti Ritorno dal Nulla, ad indicare indiscutibilmente quale sia il punto di partenza. Scommessa vinta, diciamolo subito,  "Le Porte del Domani” rappresenta la definitiva consacrazione per il gruppo ligure, che non fa pedissequa riproposizione, ma rilegge il prog e la sua storia con personalità e talento; la musica ha una forza e un impatto emotivo da wall of sound declinato secondo il prog sinfonico, ti avvolge e ti fa volare sulle fughe spaziali delle tastiere, sull’arpeggio della chitarra acustica o sui suoni taglienti della chitarra elettrica, sul placido flauto folkeggiante, sul nervoso sax, su una sezione ritmica che costituisce la colonna portante dando forza ed energia e sulla voce di Alessandro Corvaglia, autore di una prova strepitosa, tonalità forti, timbro drammatico e grande capacità espressiva. In certi momenti Corvaglia ricorda Francesco Di Giacomo e quando sul finale di L’Enorme Abisso intona un tenorile “Io …” ti aspetteresti quasi di sentire subito dopo “…sono nato libero”. La suite che compone il disco si dipana in modo intenso e drammatico, i testi, dalla suggestiva forza espressiva, costituiscono un credibile filo narrativo, e le musiche alternano felicemente momenti riflessivi e lirici ad altri cupi e drammatici o maestosi e potenti; le musiche scritte da Fabio Zuffanti hanno un afflato romantico, parlano al cuore e all’anima, emozionano, una vera Sturm und Drang musicale. Arrangiamenti barocchi, molti gli strumenti utilizzati: tastiere, moog, sintetizzatori, svariate percussioni, chitarre, mandolino, flauto, sax rendono il suono ricco e avvincente; e ci si potrà anche sbizzarrire a ritrovare le citazioni e i riferimenti a band storiche come ovviamente Le Orme e il Banco, ma anche Genesis, Yes, VDGG e King Crimson, omaggio ammirevole e ammirato ai maestri del genere. Il prog non è morto e questa ultima fatica della banda Zuffanti, che già nel 2012 ha prodotto l’eccellente “The Rime Of Ancient Mariner” con la sigla Hostsonaten, ne è ulteriore prova, sarebbe un peccato che restasse circoscritta alla cerchia dei progfan. Il disco esce in cd sia in edizione italiana che inglese, in vinile e in un cofanetto speciale con tutte e tre le edizioni e gadget vari. Recensioni di "Ignazio Gulotta" (www.distorsioni.net).

RATING: Italian Version 8.25 / 10  ///  English Version 7.75 / 10

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*. Concept .* (Remaster)

Album: Supra Surge (1980)(Remaster 2008)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psychedelic Space Rock)  /  Canada

Rare, collectable, late 70s psych/underground rock from Canada, which isn't quite as amazing as they make it out to be below, but which is still a very good record as long as you don't get too caught up in the massive hype. First time on CD, as far as I know. "Originally released 1980 on Reveal, Concept's 2nd album Supra Surge is not only the band's masterpiece but generally a masterpiece of psychedelic and acid rock. Hard to believe, but the recording date was in 1980. This could be a lost Amon Düül II album of their early period up to 1972. Unbelievable and amazing! The band had refined their musical abilities and created a monster. Great melodies, flaming guitar tunes, excellent organ and keyboard work and absolutely great vocals all over show Concept at its best. Don't miss this album. You'll want to hear it again and again. 10 titles digitally remastered. (www.waysidemusic.com).

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Gli Alluminogeni .*

Album: Geni Mutanti (1993)
Genre: Prog Rock (Pop/Rock)  /  Italy

Their previous work Scolopendra was a pop-progressive album. And after their 15-year split, ALLUMINOGENI could release an album with their real interests...I've heard. Really? The first track Mass Media can start with aggressive keyboard sound and THE BEGINNING can hear exactly progressive but the content of this song is not like a progressive rock but heavy and catchy. Yea, not-technically-good Patrizio's vocal is very passionate and attractive, and their sound and melody are so pop, as Scolopendra is so. Some of the songs in the album are heavy, some are like a stream, and some are gentle and melodious. Basically their identity is heavy but pop...I guess. In this period, might this work be typical Italian Progressive Rock album...? But, especially Pat's voice has nice and happy taste so I love. If you love Italian progressive rock everyone should think typical, I'm afraid you can't love this atmosphere. If you think this work as an Italian hard rock, it may be okay...I consider... Review by "DamoXt7942" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Aura Noctis .*

Album: Vitae Proelium (2012)
Genre: Neoclassical (Darkwave/Folk/Ethereal)  /  Spain

To say I was excited when I heard of a new album from this project would be an understatement. img So many tracks from Itineris I have created a longing for more great music from these artists and so it's great to finally have that longing satisfied. With thirteen captivating tracks, this album is yet another great masterpiece for the neo-classical music fan. I think I could sum up this review and this album in about a single sentence, or maybe even just a couple of words: simply beautiful. Well, it really is so much more than that and the compositions are much more complex as well. However I have a soft spot for a great mix of piano, cello, oboe and subtle layered ambient synths all serving as a back-drop to beautifully, haunting vocals. As a musician, particularly a pianist, having performed alongside the cello and oboe on occasion, hearing each of these instruments come out so well on these compositions is really captivating. It's nice to just sit back and listen, soaking it all in as note after note and wave after wave of emotionally spellbinding music wafts over you, as a warm mist or fresh breath of air, revitalizing the soul through the grandeur and beauty of it all. For those that enjoyed the dynamic, neo-classical tracks from the first album, there's plenty here as they build on their solid foundation. The album starts with a slightly new twist on "Windtro" which is a sort of play on the word with the wind instruments of the flute and oboe taking center stage for this introductory track. The dynamic nature of this album shines forther across the entire span as piece by piece we're presented with varying degrees of intensity and various styles. It all comes together in the powerful title track "Vitae Proelium" with a heavy, processional percussion setting the rhythm while a duo of vocals and synthesized chorus form the web of layers as the organic flute, oboe and cello bring it all together. This slightly heavier, more intense style comes alive on a few pieces, the most intense of which is appropriately named "Inner Chaos". This instrumental piece showcases Olga's excellent talent on the piano while the instruments create a nice backdrop adding more breadth and depth to it all. Other pieces come together in like manner such as "Amissi" in a slightly slower and somber mood as well as the more intense piece "Lautir" which comes out as something more of a soundtrack to an epic fantasy adventure movie. While these are all great pieces and enjoyable, my heart and sould remain captivated by the softer, more classically oriented pieces from these artists. The angelic vocals over the softer, dreamier music is spellbending and mesmerizing. The first of these on the album appears in the form of "El Cantar de las Hojas". On their debut album "Encontrarte" was the dreamiest of pieces and it seems they've realized this and capitalized on the beauty of that structure and we're presented with a number of excellent selections on this album of similar style. "Dances of the Soul" finds itself somewhere in between the two worlds, haunting and intense, yet beautiful and alluring with the piano making the heart race while the background ambient soundscapes hold the listener entranced. Also breaking the mold slightly is the wilting fairy tune "Arevaci" that inspires a lighthearted, elf or fairy dance from some other fantasy world. The lilting waltz is bolstered and anchored by heavy percussion and deep cello while the dreamy flute and oboe keep it moving along in that buoyant, lively nature. As the album comes to a close we're treated with "Un Lugar" with more of the soft haunting vocals in spanish and with that madrile�o accent that is like sugar to the ears to someone accustomed to it, yet not around it much when living on the west coast of the United States. The album wraps up with two more beautiful pieces, "Quimera" which is another intense, yet beautiful instrumental that gives way to "Omnis in Anima Manent". This finale to the album presents us with soft, somber piano and beautiful, soft soprano operatic vocals, a truly spellbinding combination and great way to wrap up the album. These talented artists have truly out-done themselves and shown they have a solid foundation to build on and plenty of creativity and talent to grow with. As I began this review, it can easily be summed up as simply beautiful. Enjoy! Review by "Gothic Paradise" (www.gothicparadise.com).

RATING:  8 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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*. Sideways .*

Album: …And There is Light (2006)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Neo Prog)  /  Holland

Something that surprisingly has been getting rare these days... a good Neo Prog album. In the eighties and even more in the nineties there were loads of good groups (Arena, Illuvatar...) influenced mostly by Marillion and IQ. This is not the case anymore, but Sideways certainly fits that description. The music on And There Is Light, even though quite original, does fit in the genre popularised by Fish led Marillion. Very symphonic but not as complex as what Genesis and Yes were producing in the early seventies. In fact if I were to pick a group as a reference for Sideways it would be Illuvatar, even though the band's lead singer does sound more like Marco Glühmann of Sylvan than Glenn McLaughlin of Illuvatar. Hopefully I am not confusing you with all these references. And There Is Light is a very good Neo Prog album, one of the best I have heard in quite a while. I recommend strongly that you go to their website and listen to some of their music samples. Recommended. Review by "Marc" (www.proggnosis.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Yuri .*

Album: Off On A Tangent (1984)(EP)
Genre: Prog Rock (Melodic/AOR/Neo Prog)  /  Canada

I DON'T HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BAND

Yuri Gorbachow, who made a lot of sound editing for various film productions, released this EP in 1984.

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.This is the Night
02.Once in a Million Years
03.On the Run
04.Off on a Tangent
05.Finding Ways to Hide
Total Time: 20:04

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Sideways .*

Album: Fear of Living (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Neo)  /  Holland

The symphonic rock band Sideways (from Holland) has been writing her own material. In 2006 they recorded the CD “….and there is light”, in 2008 "Fate", and now their third album "Fear of Living" is due to appear. The first two albums where enthusiastically received by both public and press. The American site Proggnosis wrote: “....and there is light is a very good Neo Prog album, one of the best I have heard in quite a while”. From the Netherlands en Germany came positive reviews as well, in which the style is compared to that of Marillion. Sideways as sympho-rockband is complete with vocals, guitar, keys, bass and drums. This means atmospheric carpets, pumping rhythms, heart pouring strings and a melodramatic story. The songs vary from simple to complex, but always put melody, atmosphere and emotion at the centre. Drawing upon broad experiences, the members of Sideways bring together their creativity and diverse musical backgrounds to produce their characteristic sound. The music is at its best live. The band has an evening filling program for bars, theaters and festivals. (www.sideways.info/)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Broken Scales
02.The Gift
03.Forgotten
04.A New Hope
05.One Wish
06.Rebirth

Line-up / Musicians
Alex Visser / vocals
Corné Gietman / bass
Gerwin Gabry / guitar
Jurriaan Visser / keyboards
Berry Hoogeveen / drums

RATING:  ?????????

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*. Pino Mango .*

Album: Arlecchino (1979)
Genre: Prog Rock (Pop/Rock)  /  Italy

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.L' Acquazzone
02.Arlecchino
03.Maria Wouruwuon
04.Donna Magra
05.Un Tocco Di Sogno
06.Angela Ormai ....
07.Tutto D' Un Fiato
08.Verde Mare Verde Menta
09.Strade Del Sud
10.Sentirti

Line-up / Musicians
Celso Valli / Acoustic Piano, keyboards
Luca Bizzarri / Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Ernesto Verardi / Acoustic Guitar
Dini D'Autorio Cerri & Gigi Cappellotto / Bass
Flaviano Cuffari / Drums
Claudio Pascoli / Sax
Bruno De Filippi / Harmonica
Aldo Banfi / keyboards

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Vincenzo Zitello .*

Album: Atlas (2007)
Genre: Prog Rock (New Age/Ambient)  /  Italy

Con ATLAS ho voluto ricreare un percorso temporale che seguisse i ritmi dell'immaginazione attraverso il VIAGGIO che è anche la parola-chiave di questo lavoro tra fisica e metafisica, tra natura e spiritualità, tra cosmo e individuo, ATLAS ne è metaforicamente la mappa. ATLAS è anche la celebrazione dei suoni e degli strumenti che mi hanno accompagnato e che accompagnano molti dei miei percorsi musicali: una colonna sonora personale ed intensa, un'autobiografia liberata da qualsiasi vincolo stilistico. Le composizioni sono state create in un divenire continuo, una legata all'altra come un unico libro diviso in sedici capitoli: uno spazio che attraversa se stesso e crea un'atmosfera di racconto. La strumentazione che narra questo percorso è stata rigorosamente realizzata senza l'ausilio di strumenti elettronici, caratteristica che conferisce ai brani un'identità sonora organica ed ancestrale. 
"Vincenzo Zitello" (www.cutrupi.com/Atlas.html)

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Liquid Wolf .*

Album: First Light (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Heavy)  /  Finland

First Light (2012, 56-minutes) is the debut by this Finnish prog band formed by two Kataya members. Liquid Wolf were initially inspired by Opeth but have expanded beyond that, the music no longer strongly resembling Opeth. The music is a mix of instrumental and English vocals tracks, mostly dark retro-sounding prog with some modern low distorted (metal) guitar, sometimes quite delicate and beautiful (not during the bits with metal guitar, obviously). In addition to vocals, guitars, keys, bass and drums, a guest adds flute and tenor & soprano sax to some songs. Liquid Wolf are at their best when they’re in Camel territory, that classic Scandinavian prog style one hears in the music of Atlas, Kaipa, Tabula Rasa, Kerrs Pink, etc. (http://kinesiscd.com).

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Two Wheels (6:50)
02.Lost (9:26)
03.Share this dream (7:25)
04.The fish, the sea (6:37)
05.Eventually, everything is dust (8:47)
06.First Light (8:53)
07.Another journey (8:12)

RATING:  8.25 / 10  **GREAT**

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*. Kaipa .* (Request)

Album:  Notes From The Past (2002)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  Sweden

This was the first album Kaipa released after Hans Lundin and Roine Stolt reformed the band. And it's a superb effort! The musicians assembled here are of the highest calibre. Jonas Reingold on bass needs no introduction, and Morgan Ahgren on drums has also worked with many of the best. Patrick Lundstrom has a very distinctive voice, very theatrical, and can put you in mind of Freddie Mercury, not so much in sounding like him, but in the way he phrases the words and notes. Aleena only sings lead on one song here, but she does a good job, though she surpasses herself on the following album, Keyholder. The song vary here, from superb, powerful instrumentals like 'Night Bike Ride (On Lilac Street) and 'Folke's Final Decision', to the more experimental instrumental 'Morganism' with its almost jazzy, uptempo feel, through two very melodic epics, 'Leaving The Horizon' and 'The Name Belongs To You', both of which are packed with wonderful keyboard and guitar work. The more straightforward 'Mirrors Of Yesterday' balances out Aleena's spot on the ballad 'A Road In My Mind'. There is another instrumental, the keyboard heavy 'Second Journey Inside The Green Glass', which is wonderful, whilst one of the most atmospheric tracks here is the shorter but haunting 'In The Space Of A Twinkle' with lyrics spoken by Hans's daughter, Tove. Her clear, strong voice, speaking in English with a slight Swedish accent, only adds to the other wordliness of the song. Also, Roine's guitar is impressive here. And bookending these songs are the first and last tracks, 'Notes From The Past' parts 1 & 2. Both are lovely, slower pieces, with great guitar from Roine, and restrained but effective keyboard work from Hans. Lundstrom sounds particularly close to Freddie Mercury on these two. This is a great album, almost as good as the next one, the brilliant 'Keyholder'. The artwork too is superb, and the whole package is delightful. There are echoes of TFK here, of course, as might be expected with both Roine and Jonas present. Ironically, there isn't much resembling the old Kaipa from the seventies. But the material here is strong, fresh, melodic, and well worth adding to your collection. The Swedes are giving us Brits a good run for our money in the 'prog Kings' stakes. And I, for one, welcome the competition! Review by "chessman" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.5 / 10

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*. Casa del Vento .*

Album: Giorni dell' Eden (2012)
Genre: Prog Folk (Rock/Pop)  /  Italy

A tre anni di distanza dal loro ultimo album, e dopo l’importante collaborazione con Patti Smith che ha portato i 6 musicisti toscani a suonare ed arrangiare due pezzi dell’ultimo album della cantante e poetessa americana, la Casa del Vento torna con un nuovo lavoro. In “I giorni dell'Eden” continua l'evoluzione sonora della Casa, tra folk e rock, tra ballad tradizionali e cavalcate che sfiorano la psichedelia, mentre questa volta il tema portante del disco è quello della redenzione. Sono numerose le collaborazioni che impreziosiscono il nono album in studio della band capitanata da Luca Lanzi: c'è Francesco Chimenti dei Sycamore Age in “Rose di marzo”; c'è Violante Placido aka Viola in “Icarus”; c'è ancora una volta lo storico chitarrista di Patti Smith Lenny Kaye nella title-track; il rapper marocchino Youss Yakuza in “Hurriya”, brano dedicato alla primavera araba; Francesco Sanzone dei napoletani A'67 ne “L'inferno e la bellezza”; e infine Francesco “Fry” Moneti dei Modena City Ramblers, ormai considerato il settimo elemento del gruppo. Da segnalare anche la canzone “La parola rende uguali”, dedicata alle opere ed al pensiero di Don Milani e “Just breathe”, cover dei Pearl Jam. Recensioni di "Rockol" (www.rockol.it).
 
RATING:  8 / 10   **GREAT**

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