Flea
1972
Topi O Uomini
01. Topi O Uomi (20:21)
02. Amazzone A Piedi (4:08)
03. Sono Un Pesce (6:28)
04. L'Angelo Timido (5:49)
Carlo Pennisi "Charlie" / guitars, mandolin, vocals
Antonio Marangolo "Tony" / piano, harmonium, harmonica, lead vocals
Elio Volpini "Nigel" / bass, soprano sax, vocals
Agostino Marangolo "Dustin" / drums, percussion, vibes
Generally Italian bands are not remembered for guitar heroics but in this one and on Garibaldi's Nuda, this is like a guitar overdose but in the positive way. We are not in a typically prog format, although the longer tracks allowing for much musical interplay and the sheer musical abilities from the participants especially the drummer and the guitarist.
Side 1 has a side-long title track that is halfway into a long jam and a prog number including many lengthy but outstanding solos. The feeling is somewhere between Lard Free's debut and Black Sabbath's first two albums and you can feel the almost violent enthusiasm of the guys . It sure feels good. Exhilaration is around the bend....
Side 2 is made from three mid-length tracks, the first of which is probably the most prog in construction and the following one giving on a peek at their calmer/softer side. The final track is a great return towards the opening track and making you regret that this album is so short. The vocals, I would qualify as typically Italian can surprise with this high-powered rock but certainly do not shock: in fact they are fairly appropriate.
As I said above, this album is not that prog in terms of the usual/conventional definitions developed on all sides but is more than linked to it by sheer virtuosity and an almost Ramone-like enthusiasm that makes this album a 70's gem etiquette that should be discovered urgently by all progheads. Exhilarating and almost orgasmic..
http://www.filefactory.com/file/1jf2z9f9efi/F0175.rar
ReplyDeleteIt's totally ridiculous that a band this awesome are so little known (although it may have something to do with the fact that they changed their band name after each album). This album originally released in 1972 comprises a perfectly formed set of forward thinking 70's rock songs that are original, innovative and played with a classy and visceral Italian heft!! There is a progressive rock element to the song arrangements but mainly it's just brilliantly written, and performed rock. I heard this band by chance on Youtube and as a result bought the reissued CD album with gate fold sleeve; I'm glad i did. Fans of other Italian progressive rock bands of this era will find much to enjoy.