Locanda Delle Fate ~ Italy

Forse Le Lucciole Non Si Amano Più (1977)

---3/10/01

By 1977, progressive rock in Italy was all but dead. Most of the movement had moved either underground, or more towards the experimental (Pierrot Lunaire, Picchio dal Pozzo). It must’ve been quite the surprise for collectors of the day to see Locanda delle Fate appear on the horizon, with major label backing (Polydor) and the visual eye candy of the gorgeous gatefold fantasy cover. Generally considered the last hurrah for the great Italian music scene, Locanda Delle Fate appropriately provide the final benediction. A seven piece group, with a rather complete instrument lineup consisting of organ, Moog, flute, piano, vibraphone, clavinet, acoustic & electric guitar, bass, drums and vocals. In some ways, Locanda Delle Fate's album can be considered a move forward, an updated take on the classic sound. An argument could be made that the album is almost too slick – too many compromises for a more fidgety contemporary audience. In reality, Locanda Delle Fate were more subtle than their predecessors. It really takes many listens to peel the onion as it were. For those weaned on the musical acrobatics of Semiramis or Il Balletto di Bronzo, Locanda Delle Fate can quickly be waved off as lightweight and simple. This would be a poor assumption to make. Perhaps this is why Locanda Delle Fate took longer to surface than other bands of their ilk: All of the lessons learned from observing the last seven years.

The opener, 'A Volte un Istante di Quiete', is a brilliant instrumental with active rhythms and flute leading the melody parade. The next piece (the title track), demonstrates why Locanda delle Fate needs more time for evaluation. The music here is almost pop-chart-commercial except there is much more complexity brought forth. It's a testament to the savvy of Locanda Delle Fate to harbor this kind of intelligent composition style, while not being show-offy in the slightest. Each of these apparent chartmakers contain outstanding instrumental sections that focus on the ensemble rather than the solo. What stands out most about Locanda delle Fate are the memorable melodies all within the context of the overall complex instrumental work. While all the instrumentalists are fantastic, special mention goes to flautist Erio Vevey who typically owns the melody line. Track highlights include 'Sogno di Estunno' which is Locanda Delle Fate at their most aggressive and 'Vendesi Saggezza', the stunningly beautiful closer.

---2/2/26

I had completely forgotten that I'd written a full review 25 years ago, until searching my hard drive for previous listens. And, as it turns out, that was the last instance that I heard the album! It's about time the random number generator picked it then. So the album makes it's long awaited debut on UMR. Let's see how I hear the album today.  

Perhaps no surprise, but I hear it better than ever. There's an Italian romanticism the group captures that is very much of the 70s era, and one I adopted for myself in the late 80s and early 90s. Strangely I have a sense of sadness surrounding it, as the optimism of youth is now replaced with nostalgia and reflection. Albums like this bring those emotions out. I called out the highlights on my original review, though there truly are no weak moments here. B1 is Locanda Delle Fate at their most commercial and yet even here they add plenty of complexity. B3 is as beautiful as the closer. 

Reading today that many have issues with the vocals. Once again, he was of the era, a gruffer voice that was prevalent in many Italian prog groups. Like Odissea, Delirium, or a more controlled Jumbo. To be honest I didn't really take to this album much in 1990 either, thinking it wasn't "progressive enough". Haha, such is the quick judgment of a young mind. It's plenty progressive, but it is more subtle in its approach. Something I clearly understood by the time I did get around to writing my review.

The CD includes their 1978 single 'New York' / 'Nove Lune'. Italy seemed to be obsessed with The Big Apple in the 70s, perhaps not overly surprising given many of their families had relocated there over the last century. As to be expected, Locanda Delle Fate is attempting to find a more commercial stance on this 45. The A) side is too singy-songy-whiny for my tastes. The B) side picks up the pace, and adds back in some progressive rock complexity. They still had it in them, and a full album like this would have resulted in another heralded classic. But that was an impossible ask for 1978 Italy. It was over.

Ownership:
1977 Polydor (LP). Gatefold. With lyric inner bag. Acquired in 2003.

1982 Polydor Japan (LP). Gatefold. With Italian lyric and Japanese insert. Acquired in 1999.

2001 Polydor Japan (CD). Papersleeve gatefold. With lyric inner bag and insert. Acquired in 2003.

First copy and since sold: 1988 Polydor Japan (CD). Acquired in 1990. These Japanese CDs were hard to find back then!

1990 (first listen); 3/10/01 (review); 2/2/26 (update)

The band reformed in the 90s but I don't have any of their other albums in my possession.

2/2/26 (new entry)