La Coscienza di Zeno - Sensitivita. 2013 Italy

Continuing on from their debut, La Coscienza di Zeno have made some significant improvements in many areas... and perhaps a few steps back in others. Let's focus on the positive first. The instrumental palette has been increased to include more of an analog orientation, though there is no mistaking this is a modern recording (the robust production alone is to be admired). Piano, in particular, is a dominant instrument here, and when played as expertly as it is done on Sensitivita (brilliant in fact), it certainly recalls the 1970s masters. Choral Mellotron (which may be sampled) is also used in abundance, and the entire dual keyboard format recalls classic Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. Taking the BMS metaphor just a bit further, Alessio Calandriello is proving to be possibly one of the finest vocalists in Italian progressive rock today. While not singing in the operatic style of di Giacomo, Calandriello possesses an incredible voice, that would actually be much admired in today's howling-singer styled pop culture. And perhaps now is a good time to introduce the main issue I have with the album. Sometimes the music just stops, and everyone buys a ticket to watch Calandriello belt out verses while the rhythm section keeps a steady beat.  I'm not sure if there's an Italian Idol TV show, but if there is, then Calandriello most certainly would have to be considered a finalist. He's that good of a talent. However, none of the great 70s Italian masters, who also featured singers with similar golden pipes, would exhibit the patience La Coscienza di Zeno demonstrates here. I just keep waiting for the inevitable breaks, those turn-on-a-dime rhythms with crazy solos, that make the entire Italian prog genre so special. And yes, they do eventually come through with just that, but sometimes after I find something else to do while waiting for glamor boy to close his trap. Perhaps another demerit goes to the guitarist, who adds little but cliched distorted metal chords throughout. While I'm OK with a little extra muscle, I'm not feeling the added value. And the rhythm section keeps things moving along, but they definitely take a back seat to the dual keys and precocious boy. So why the 4 stars? Well it was close to 3.5, but most of the material is very solid, if never actually excelling. The final track 'La Temperanza' (10:38) is the highlight with added flute and violin, adding much needed distractions to the singer songwriter aspirations that begin to creep in. I think La Coscienza di Zeno have left plenty of room for improvement. They have the tools, and the talent, to release a RYM 5 star / Gnosis 13+ masterpiece. Let's see if they rise to the challenge. Fans of Italian progressive rock should take my criticisms as data points, but don't let them keep you from buying this.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Fading

9/23/13 (new entry)