Il Paradiso degli Orchi - Il Corponauta. 2016 Italy

Il Paradiso degli Orchi are a band I've been reading about here and there, and was intrigued by the descriptions. Especially one that referenced Jumbo. That's like telling my wife there's a shoe sale going on at Nordstrom. At its best, perhaps it'll be the complete surprise that Le Porte non Aperte's Golem ended up being. Well, not quite that, as the vocals are not Alvaro Fella-like. But rather the music is put together in a way that the classic early 70s Italians would do. It all goes together, somewhat haphazardly, but not in the pejorative sense of the word. From the moment you hit play, until 79 minutes later, you will have no idea where it will take you. But it never gets boring or tedious. Like many of you, I also think 79 minutes of music on the same album is daunting. But Il Paradiso degli Orchi pass that test. Il Corponauta is an investment of time, no question about it. But one that is likely to age well on multiple plays.

Il Paradiso degli Orchi already had one release under their belt - one I've yet to hear - before a familiar presence entered their lives. And that would be Fabio Zuffanti, a gentleman who is almost single-handedly bringing Italy back to 1973. So yes, La Maschera di Cera most assuredly belongs in the conversation here. Even though there's quite a bit of mellotron (probably sampled), the instrumentation and production are not necessarily retro, though it's attempting to be so. In that way, Il Paradiso degli Orchi reminds me of early La Maschera di Cera. Flute is another predominant instrument, and played in a manner that does recall the early Italian masters. Nice vocals sung in proper Italian, guitars, and a snappy rhythm section round out the group. Place Il Paradiso degli Orchi in the stack that also includes Ingranaggi della Valle, Unreal City, La Coscienza di Zeno, and Distillerie di Malto. And many others. Lunga vita al prog Italiano.

Ownership: CD: 2016 AMS. Like most of the AMS albums, the CD is housed in a wonderful mini-LP gatefold cover. Also contains a booklet with lyrics.

7/9/20 (new entry)