Wow! What a first album. We reviewed Storia Di Un Minuto by Premiata Forneria Marconi this week. Italian prog. Who knew?
Every now and then we review an album that knocks me sideways. The difference between my expectations and what I actually heard were so different that I actually became excited. A band that had somehow managed to realise what music can be ... at their first attempt.
I have quite a wide palate of musical interests and Soria Di Un Minuto seems to have ticked all the boxes. My expectations of Italian Prog weren't very high. Maybe it's because I have an impression of Southern Europeans lazing around in hammocks waiting for the olives to fall of the trees. Prog is an act of arduous effort, laden with tension amongst band members. Not this though.
There is a refreshing vibe about the music. It feels light and busy without requiring effort. It is tinged with a relaxed and happy bounce. Not an easy thing to accomplish with so much going on.
My usual MO when reviewing an album is to listen to it whilst walking. Normally when the album is finished I will listen to something else. See how it fairs in relation to other things, what it inspires me to listen to. This time I listed to Storia Di Un Minuto then listened to Storia Di Un Minuto, The only thing I could put it up against was some Zappa!
But the real mark of how exceptional this album is that I was quite comfortably to play it to my girlfriend. Usually I am too embarrassed. The bit where I have to explain why the music is so special feels like a chore. It wasn't necessary this week. We had a relaxing Sunday morning listening to some nice music.
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