Amanita's sole album is one of those hidden gems buried deep in my collection. I bought this not long after it was released and always found it fascinating, though I'm not sure it struck me as anything great originally. In fact, I probably thought about selling it in the 90s. Times change, and our ears evolve. For some of my collection, the music hasn't aged well for me - usually the cold, clinical, technical side of progressive rock. Amanita is pretty much the opposite of that, and what one would normally associate with the 90s. Basically L'Oblio is old school early 70s Italian prog with a predominant flute presence - it's rough, amateurish at times, and wonderfully adventurous. But it gets better. Not only do they tap into that obscure 70s sound like Capitolo 6 and Delirium, but the guitar sound - and overall production - reminds me of the late 70s American private press hard rock culture! So imagine Legend (Connecticut) playing the music of Osanna. Singing properly in Italian. This is more in tune with what's going on today with the retro prog bands. Ironic in that they were ahead of their time. Not intentional by any means I'm sure. In fact, I doubt they were trying to emulate anyone. Even better as far as I'm concerned. Not for everyone of course, but the review above will resonate with those of us who appreciate these kind of sounds. Even the person who released it only gave it 3 stars on RYM. So there you have it.
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