LA TORRE DELL’ALCHIMISTA: U.S.A…. You Know?

Cover	Release	Style
	2005	progressive rock
	Label
	MaRaCash Records
	Website

	Contact

	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	55:53	SIAE 2005 / MRC 004
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	8,5/10
nederlands	Review
Biglietto Per L'Inferno, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, La Maschera Di Cera, La Torre dell’Alchimista. What a beautiful language Italian is. Even if you don’t know these bands, you’ll have to admit their names have a certain ring to it. Ever since the early 70’s, Italy has had quite an impressive underground progressive rock scene. The former two bands, along with Acqua Fragile, Le Orme and many others, made a name for themselves in the formative years of the genre. La Maschera Di Cera and La Torre Dell’Alchimista are new bands that follow in their predecessors’ footsteps. La Torre dell’Alchimista only had one album under their belt when they performed on the 2002 Nearfest. It is that show that is now being released on MaRaCash Records. Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Jethro Tull are never far away in La Torre’s sound. This band is interested in 70’s prog rock and that’s all they’ll play. Nostalgics will be happy with this. Heavy Hammond driven songs, lots of moogs and piano, a prominent use of flutes… No electric guitars, but although that is still my favourite instrument, this band’s music is so full and rich, I don’t miss it at all. Classically influences themes are alternated with playful melodies, bombastic arrangements and beautiful soundscapes. The band is most impressive in the long instrumental duels, especially when the lively flutes perfectly balance the heavy Hammond attacks. The gentle “Il Volo” (which features a clarinet) and the adventurous tracks “La Torre dell’ Alchimista” and “Eclisse” are simply wonderful pieces of music. As for the language… Italian sounds made to be sung. I can hardly understand a word, but it all sounds so right. On top of that, Michele Giardino has quite a good voice and the harmonies are very good too. One for the nostagics among us, which I am happy to report I am one of. Let’s have more where that came from!
Musicians
Michele Giardino: vocals, acoustic guitar Silvia Ceraolo: flute, vocals Elena Biagioni: piano, vocals Michele Mutti: Hammond organ, piano, Fender Rhodes, synthesizers Davide Donadoni: bass guitar, clarinet Noberto Mosconi: drums, acoustic guitar
Tracklist
Intro (from A. Dvorjak "New World Symphony") L'Apprendista Intermezzo I Figli Della Mezzanotte Il Volo La Torre Dell'Alchimista Risveglio, Procreazione e Dubbio (pt I) Delirio in C La Persistenza Della Memoria Concetto Virtuale di Viaggio Nel 2500 D. C. Eclisse
Discography
La Torre Dell’Alchimista (2001) U.S.A…. You Know? (2005)


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