Artist: Baffo Banfi, Runes Order, G. Grilli u.a.
Trackliste:
| 1 |
–Deca |
Rejected
|
8:19 |
| 2 |
–Luciano Piazza |
Fotografie
|
8:39 |
| 3 |
–Baffo Banfi |
O.R. Tens
|
3:00 |
| 4 |
–Mysia
|
First Steps On Mars
|
6:39 |
| 5 |
–Roberto Gallà |
Sikania
|
4:36 |
| 6 |
–Federico Lentini |
Orizzonte Melodico
|
|
| 7 |
–Kryptästhesie |
Idrogeno
|
6:38 |
| 8 |
–Runes Order |
La Seduzione Del Silenzio II
|
6:18 |
| 9 |
–Gianfranco Grilli |
21st Century Suite
|
15:25 |
| 9a |
–Gianfranco Grilli |
4000 Anni Fa....Da Sirio |
|
| 9b |
–Gianfranco Grilli |
I Giardini Di Babilonia |
|
| 10 |
–Empire State Human
|
Element # 1
|
6:25 |
A deep pulsation, as if an underground generator is working at over capacity forms the backbone to ‘Rejected’ by Deca. A more conventional rhythmic structure then develops and we hurtle along with a staccato lead line dancing over the top of the drums which increase in intensity then disappear for just a few seconds to return again with new vigour. Two minutes from the end we come to an abrupt halt and cavernous atmospherics completely take over. Luciano Piazza uses what sounds like radio being tuned in for the opening of ‘Fotografie’. We then get a flute lead lines and a lot of atmospherics and even a NASA sample. When the sequence comes in the whole feel of the track changes only to completely transform a minute or so later. It is almost as if a whole album of ideas is being condensed into a single track.
Baffo Banfi, remember him, then gives us ‘O.R. Tens’ . Based around a bass sequence, various lead lines and motifs weave a very appealing pattern. ‘First Steps on Mars’ by Mysia, like its predecessor initially uses a sequence as the core of the track but it isn’t long before a superb drum line and guitar are the elements that grab the attention and turn it into a prog rock track. This is a fantastically infectious number at times sounding like a dead ringer for Camel. One of the the best tracks on the album, if you enjoy your EM with a heavy dose of rock that it. Robert Galla comes up with a very melodic number, sounding a bit sweet for my tastes but if you are into a good tune this will probably be for you. ‘Oriizzonte Melodica’ by Federico Lentini is like a cross between melodic EM and a military band, not the best track on the album.
Kryptasthesie gives us a fine example of trad ambient with ‘Drogeno’ then we get ‘La Seduzione Del Silenzio II’ by Runes Order. Ominous deep bass drones are added to by a high register sequence. Very atmospheric. ‘21st Century Suite’ by Gianfranco Grilli is split into two parts totalling over fifteen minutes. The first half of part A was very laid back and drifting but then a jaunty rhythm comes in to shatter the tranquillity. Part B returns to the space music of before, a slow rhythm being added near the end which works particularly well. Empire State Human brings the album to a close with ‘Element #1’ which sounds a bit like an updated version of Walter Carlos’ ‘Sonic Seasonings’.
The compilation covers many different styles but there is some very good music here. Most of the names I haven’t heard of before which isn’t surprising as Italy isn’t a country which previously I thought of as producing much EM. Look like I will have to change that view immediately. Finally a special mention must also be given to the sumptuous 28 page colour booklet which gives basic details of all the artists complete with discographies and contact addresses.. (DL)
