Review – La Curva Di Lesmo – La Curva Di Lesmo – by David Elliott

A unique project from Stefano Agnini  (La Coscienza Di Zeno) and Fabio Zuffanti (Finisterre, La Maschera Di Cera and others). This is a beautifully composed and produced, melodic, diverse and eclectic piece of art that consists of 3 tracks clocking in at 8:26, 17:14 & 26:24 and is as epic as you might expect.  I consider it a masterpiece that I would urge any open minded prog fan to explore.

I can compare this record to Steven Wilson – ‘Hand Cannot Erase’ as both have had such a strong emotional connection with me this year that almost immediately I have become more than a little consumed by them.

A heady mix of what is great about progressive music, this album is driven by analog keyboards and Italian vocals (male and female), interwoven with ingredients from rock, symphonic, folk, classical, electronic and traditional Italian pop and, dare I say it, a little Italian ‘easy listening’ music.

This is progressive with a capital P, mad as a box of frogs one minute, dramatic yet serene the next.  We have some great vocals including theatrical, but never operatic, delivery, short sections that are ‘shouty’  (sorry amateur writer here!) and at some points the sea nymphs turn up and the harpies join in – All a bit odd and eccentric at first listen.  However, in the traditions of the very best music, all these disparate parts come together on each subsequent play through to form a magnificent listening experience.

For points of reference, and I don’t want to do a track by track review or to describe the album in too much detail not wishing to spoil the experience for any prospective listener, I am reminded of the following bands:  Big Big Train, early IQ – Great analog keys and guitar solos, Quasar – melody, Montefeltro – Romantic Italian prog approach, The Snow Goose – The atmosphere, ACT – stylistically, not sound, and Vulgar Unicorn – The eclectic structures.

I don’t understand Italian enough (if at all) to do it any justice, and I have always considered music to have an ability to stir an emotional response regardless of lyrics; the voice is another ‘instrument’ after all.

For me ‘La Curva Di Lesmo’ is about passion, emotion and melody and it ticks all my boxes.  Language provides mystery and atmosphere and I am a little frightened to understand the meaning further in case it lessens the experience.

This is a passion play that I recommend all to embrace and hope you love it as much as I do – A current and future classic album.

Released 15th October 2015

Buy La Curva Di Lesmo from bandcamp

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About the Author – David Elliott

David Elliott is no relation to any other David Elliott, living or dead, and should not to be confused with any animals, journalists or other prog celebrities.

Having had his ears opened by Genesis when an impressionable youth, his musical journey has expanded to include modern jazz fusion and electronic music but especially progressive rock in all its forms.  Favourite artists are Jadis, Pat Metheny, Steven Wilson, Nemo and many, many others that are yet to be discovered – The next one is often the best!

Ambition:  Italian prog reviewer in residence.

Hobbies:  Needle work, welding, cat herding and beetle battling.

Occupation: Health and Safety Manager (see the above nonsense!!)