The sonic buffet can certainly cater to a wide variety of flavours and tastes, so why eat your favourite dish every day and forego at least trying something different ? The Prog Rogue certainly has a dedicated palette and ready as well as more than willing to take a plunge into the outer fringes of prog. I landed by pure chance on an electronic jazz funk nu disco artist from Italy called the Tobor Experiment, and really loved what I heard, expertly played and deliriously seductive album called “Available Forms Up!”. Since I have always loved adventurous synthesizer-based material, as well as enjoying British Jazz-rock (Nucleus, Soft Machine, and Brian Auger), occasional dives into Massive Attack and Portishead, flirting with old school Booker T and the MGs, as well as down-tempo stuff like All India Radio, why not take the plunge?
This band from Naples, has a classic lineup of guitar, bass, drums , percussion and keys , the latter being the spotlight feature with TONS of rousing organ forays that will send shivers down the spine of any fan of Hammond, courtesy of Simone Frendo. Each instrument really stands out in the mix, the funky Maurizio Frendo bass up front and center causing all the havoc, excellent rhythmic insertions from drummer Mauro Vanacore and Gianluca Canitano on assorted percussives, with slick guitar splashes from Cristian Onorato, with heavy use of wah-wah (a personal pet)
A nearly 13-minute epic eruption on “Diamonds and Pain”, no messing around with Vesuvius looking down on the bay, and Pompeii not too far away, remind us that life must be lived to the fullest. Eat healthy, sleep well, laugh often and always look for amore, that is the lifestyle emanating from this album, a tangy Salerno lemon, and bold like grappa. The slinky synthesizers reflect the laid-back Mediterranean spirit, a short vocal passage greeting visitors into the soulful confines of one of the most fascinating cities ever. Swooning rhythms and oscillating waves of electronic flirtation are pushed aside by a rousing organ entrance, some choir work that ultimately evolves into an all-instrumental continuation. A pensive section chock full of atmospheric tendencies then conjures a feeling of adventure, gradually picking up steam, as the synthesizer takes the lead, congas and bongos rolling in from the tight side streets, the bass slithering along like the million crazed Vespas all over the city, as many streets are not wide enough for cars. The two sounds then alternate like the title states, diamonds and pain. The lead guitar flight is primo stuff; Steve Cropper would be flattered. Amazing!
On “La Via Vecchia”, the music is loaded with classy and elegant moods, excitingly cinematographic, closed my eyes and felt back strolling on the old road Spaccanapoli, the beating heart of the famed city, Maradona posters still draped all over the balconies and doorways. The throttling bass and the organ rampage take over the pulsating mood, percolating like a double espresso full of essence and character, the surly guitar simply carving the main melody, shifting to wah-wah when prompted. Hustling along like the street vendors stuffing delicious food in your mouth, laughingly making fun of your reactions, the cross-town rumble is a heart stopping workout.
“Desert Train” lays down a brisk groove, tremendous Fender Rhodes glitter and organ flash, a tight rhythmic pulse straight out of Borboletta-era Santana, this is a delicious piece of music, also reminiscent of Sade’s backing band (Sweetback), smooth as silk and soft as velvet. Yes, it’s a funky, sundrenched slow dance that is sensual to the hilt, perspiration a constant companion to the rippling organ assault, running in tandem with the celestial e-piano droplets and the parched guitar flickers. A highlight killer track.
A savoury bass line greets “Polena”, the ideal foundation for a sizzling guitar display, both lead and rhythm work top notch, laying down another stunning chill-out sonic avenue for the ears and the mind. It’s one thing to possess the instrumental chops but to make it convincingly entertaining is quite the feat. At one point, the synths faultlessly emulate brass to perfection. The melodies, the contrasts and the variations are all astounding, as they are never dull or overplayed, the dosage just ‘Perfetto’!
“Zona Rossa” is not the area behind the famous San Gennaro catacombe (that was a visit one never forgets!) but a red zone arrivederci, the popping bass synth causing reverberating interludes in the extensive e-piano chords, a stirring electric guitar indicating the dangers ahead. The rhythm section applies just the right amount of pressure to slightly alter the pace and the percussion in particular permeating again into the overall temperament. Simone handles the various synthesizers with impeccable finesse, a sheer joy to listen to his work. Cristian alternates between pedals, as his fretboard competes forcefully like a Napoli ‘mezzocampo’ carving through the opposing defence, easily penetrating the red zone.
I enjoyed this so much, the Volume 1 was purchased subito presto. Utterly enjoyable and wholly escapist modern music that any fan of music can easily admire. I miss Napoli, the food is damn good too, and the people, absolutely charming in a sort of bad boy way, if you see what I mean.
4.5 sfogliatelle