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I've gotten so many new releases recently that I took
a break and decided I would review the best album ever made.
That's right folks - this is it. My absolute favorite album
ever recorded, and in my mind - the only perfect record I've
ever heard. With as many albums as I have - that is a lot
to live up to.
Locanda Delle Fate released one amazing album and then
disappeared forever (well - except for the 1999 "comeback"
album that was not very good at all and sounded completely
different- so I don't count that). This is warm, romantic,
majestic Italian prog at its absolute finest. Nothing matches
this, seriously. Two absolutely wonderful keyboard players
dazzle you with synths, moog, harpsichord, and PIANO.
The piano is near constant - and is NOT in the background.
In fact - it is almost the lead instrument. I cannot describe
how the piano interacts with the music except to say it is
different and very ... percussive. Not simple chords here
- constant amazing riffing on the piano. Drums are equally
amazing - some of the best I have ever heard. The drum beats
are completely inventive and constantly changing. Overlaying
this is some great bass work. Let us not forget the guitar
- equally inventive and perfectly matching the piano in a
perfect way. Not precisely doing what the piano keys are doing
- more like complementing them. We also have some lovely flute
that pops up from time to time. And finally - the vocals,
two singers here - but one much more than the other. Leonardo
Sasso's voice is SO passionate - reminds me of Allusa Fallax
singer if you have heard them. A lovely warm gravelly voice
that expresses more than most singers could ever hope to.
Where did they find this guy?? Unfortunately he does not appear
on the bonus track - the other singer (don't know which band
member he is) does. The second singer occasionally surfaces
from time to time to add some flavor as his voice is higher
pitched (similar to an Italian Geddy Lee). Not bad at all
- but compared to Sasso, he pales in comparison.
Each song goes through so many twists and turns that
it would be impossible to describe them specifically. It is
enough to say that the album takes at least 10 listens to
begin to appreciate. Just when you think you've got it - you
notice another lovely thing going on in the background that
you did not notice before. It is absolutely beautiful. The
bonus track is good - but not up to par with the rest of the
album. It sounds like it was recorded much later. If you like
progressive rock and you do not own this album then something
is wrong. Be warned - all of us are on a quest to find the
perfect album. I bought this about 7 years ago and NOTHING
has touched it since. You may want to wait until you have
all the prog you can handle so you have something to look
forward to. Yeah. It is that good.
Rating: 5 STARS. 6 If I could give it.
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