It's that time again: Italian Prog suggestions

[aith01]

A more recent addition that I cannot recommend highly enough is Sulla Bolla di Sapone by FEM (previously known as La Forza Elettromotrice). It's based on the short sci-fi story "On the Soap Bubble" by German author Kurd Lasswitz.

Musically, it is perhaps most reminiscent of Banco, but I also hear some PFM and Le Orme in there as well as some Genesis/Tony Banks influence. Oddly enough, I also think I hear some influences from The Flower Kings, particularly in the guitar, but that may just be my imagination.

Overall, it is a beautiful symphonic album in the great Rock Progressivo Italiano tradition, and it needs to be in your collection yesterday.

[simon moon]

Quite a quality list and recommendations so far.


Well worth getting are:

Eris Pluvia - Rings of Earthly Light

I think this is a somewhat neglected album of the modern era. Quite beautiful and pastoral.

Il Babau I Maledetti Creteni - Trilogia Del Meistero e Del Terrore

Based on EA Poe, and suitably creepy.

Il Bacio Della Medusa - They have 2 releases. Kind of a mix of organ and guitar dominated heaviness, and some flute and acoustic guitar passages.

De De Lind - one of the 70's classics. I'm I the first to mention this?

Duello Madre - same.

Quite good prog/fusion. I've heard it compared to Soft Machine.

Dunwhich - dark and Gothic with great female vocals and choir. Quite unique. Not sure if all are in print.

H2O - Due

70's feel. PFM influences. Quite good. Many complain about the early digital Hammond emulator sound of the organ. Doesn't bother me.


Homunculus Res - Pretty darn good Canterbury.

Ibis - Sun Supreme

New Trolls offshoot, but not much like them. Heavy, mystical prog, with Spinal Tap's drummer (seriously!). This album kicks butt!

A Piedi Nude - Heavy modern prog. Not sure what is in print, but they are all (3 releases) worth getting.

Slivovitz - both CDs.

Quite unique and playful fusion. With trumpet and violin. They have the ability to pull of some really complex stuff, but but it is always in context, and done with a deft hand.

[SteveSly]

How about Alex Carpani Band? I don't think they have been mentioned here yet:

[Skeptrick]

I'll second the recs for:
Homunculus Res
Il Bacio Della Medusa (who have a 3rd one as well)
Not A Good Sign
Ingrannagi Della Valle

and add (if they haven't been mentioned yet):
Il Cerchio D'Oro
Pandora
Gran Turismo Veloce
Distillerie Di Malto
Marchesi Scamorza

[chalkpie]

With English subtitles.

[chalkpie]

I like Blocco Mentale. And Italia made it to the Euro final. Ciao.

[chalkpie]