Architrave Indipendente - Azetium A Otto Piste. 2009 Italy

Architrave Indipendente's sole album is the closest I've heard yet of a band sounding like the original 1973 Italian progressive rock movement. There are many groups today that emulate the sound, especially from a compositional standpoint, but they still sound like they're a modern troupe (vintage equipment not withstanding). For example, groups such as La Maschera di Cera, Il Tempio delle Clessidre, and La Torre dell'Alchimista all are clearly retro focused, but still are very much of our own era (and that's also a good thing). Architrave Indipendente are hardcore, right down to the recording techniques and LP only release (though a year later some handmade CD-R's were made to meet digital demand). It's as if they immersed themselves directly into the Italian culture of 1972. That's not an easy thing to accomplish. Great album that is closer to the romantic sounds of Celeste, Errata Corrige, and second album Quella Vecchia Locanda rather than the harder edged bands like Il Balletto di Bronzo, Biglietto per L'Inferno, or Museo Rosenbach.

Ownership: LP: 2009 Retroguardie. Gatefold with 2 inserts and a circular patch. Numbered edition (mine is #109). Stunning package.

2010; 4/27/11 (new entry)