Third album for these ‘ambient-jazz” pioneers from Italy , their previous work was a smashing success that I reviewed and thus enjoyed tremendously. As expresses in my review for “Trans-Neptunian Objects”, this quartet has sculpted a rather unique stylistic that bodes well for its ongoing career, having offered only a very distant comparison to the legendary Weather Report (mostly due to Andrea Serino’s crafty e-piano work). Well, why not dwell on a winning recipe, as the Fender Rhodes plays an even more significant role here , much to my personal delight and surely yours as well! The same talented crew is back for another thrilling adventure that deserves your attention. Andrea Grumelli tackles the fretless bass challenges with overt glee, in complete synchronicity with kitman Matteo Ravelli. Guitarist Andrea Ferrari also experiments with keyboards (as well as a few prancing horses, I presume), shouldering the previously highlighted Serino clever fingers). Six demanding tracks for 43 minutes of listening joy.
The first overriding sensation on “Oort Cloud” is one of immersive mind music, acting like a gentle sonic anaesthetic before flicking a switch that plunges the unexpecting listener into near Magma-esque orbit, the illuminated piano remaining the sole melodic component while the remaining instruments behave more like percussive beasts, let loose to rampage.
Cubic obliqueness is up next , as if Pablo Picasso suddenly was given the baton to lead the orchestra into experimental dissonance that nevertheless has tons of shape, with Salvador Dali doing gargoyle voices on the savage “Vogon“. Thankfully Andrea Ferrari takes his raging Testarossa guitar into overdrive, full throttle down the autostrada, the hell with the stunned Carabinieri left in the lurch. In the paddock, Grumelli, Serino and Ravelli waltz around the clock, impishly smiling like kids in a playground.
Highlight core tracks happen to own French language titles (winking at the Aosta valley from nearby Milan) first with the luxuriant “Cinq Teintes, Quatre Cadres”, a sublime piece that should hypnotize anyone into submission. Grumelli once gain sets the hue and the team willingly follow, painting the air with an assortment of vivid strokes that define the word palette. Screeching guitars, pugnacious drums and keyboard-driven fireworks maintain the balance between gliding serenely and dive-bombing. The glittering piano acts as the surrealist spine, distributing insistent cords/cards like a dealer in Las Vegas. The distant electronics add a neo-modern sheen that cannot be overlooked either.
’’La Mélancolie du Petit Prince’’ refers explicitly to the classic Antoine de St-Exupéry novel, a much cherish literary legend that keeps the spirit alive. The grand piano takes the center stage, offering a classical modus operandi, the chattering percussive talking up a storm, while the voluptuous bass guitar does its cobra-like slithering in the desert, among the sonic dunes. The billion stars shape the dark sky as one questions the reason for our existence and the unpredictable fate that awaits each adventurer. Antoine did and then wrote a book. You, the listener will remember and revisit all the music moments that impact your soul. Aether bridge the distance between classical music and prog and await imminent rescue.
As per its definition, “Panta Rei” is a flowing river of constant change, an evolutive expression that, with the right amount of attention and appreciation, can take you wherever you dare to dream. Ferrari’s fretboard excursion is a not only ferociously intense but can veer easily into another world altogether, recalling perhaps a vision of an emerald beyond or even fiery fowls. Serino has his spot as well and takes full advantage of the limelight to seal the deal.
The nearly 11 minute “Swerve “ closes the proverbial book on this third offering, a very a propos title, as the various divergences offered span a wide expanse of tone, speed, coloration and impetus. This track is definitely the finest moment here, as it encapsulates those melodic elements found in their previous album. Perhaps the mercurial French band One Shot would be the closest in terms of stylistics but only barely. Their athletic and muscular form of jazzy prog sets them apart, in partnership with experimental forays that also benefit from occasional winks at the past legends. Originality, inspiration and impeccable delivery will keep the aether nice and clean for many years to come.
4.5 Sforza atmospheres