[Album Review] Reale Accademia Di Musica / Reale Accademia Di Musica

 

 

 

Reale Accademia Di Musica / Reale Accademia Di Musica (72)



1. Favola
2. Il Mattino
3. Oguno Sa
4. Padre
5. Lavoro in Citta'
6. Vertigine

Federico Trioiani - Piano, Organ,
Electric Piano, Mellotron, Vocals
Nicola Agrimi - Electric Guitar,
Acoustic Guitar
Pierfranco Pavone - Bass
Roberto Senzasono - Drums,
Percussion
Henryk Topel Cabanes - Vocals

Another very nice album out of Italy that falls under the more pastoral and folky sides of the Italian spectrum. The band is compositionally proficient and capable of extremely haunting, beautiful moments, though a tad dry and typical at others. Generally melodic and understated, with an emphasis on piano, acoustic guitar and almost whispering vocals. The album in general is subdued, chocked with stately, classically inspired themes, soft organ and piano, and occasional mellotron. The band briefly cranks up the intensity with up-tempo portions and biting electric guitar licks, but these moments are consistently spaced out, giving them a greater emphasis when they do appear. As a whole, the album falls into a fairly populous sub-genre of progressive rock, with bands like Celeste, Alusa Fallax and Quella Vecchia Locanda treading similar ground. However, increased listenings to Reale Accademia di Musica will reveal its own idiosyncrasies. The vocalist in particular tends to grow on me, with his plaintive, quivering tone, as well as the general atmosphere of the album, which projects dread and drama just as often as sublime beauty.
More consistency could have elevated this album to a real Italian masterpiece. Opener "Favola" is alright, but unimpressive, ditto with the up-beat folk of "Oguno Sa". However, the glorious "Il Mattino" is pretty much a perfect example of great Italian prog. The cut starts off with a gorgeous, emotive vocal melody, before building up into an intense, organ led middle section that rocks very hard. "Padre" is also superb, excellent vocals again, with some striking electric guitar solos peppered throughout. Closer "Vertigine" is a monster. Changing up the tone from the rest of the album, the track adopts a much heavier feel, with grinding organ riffs and an extremely dramatic and melancholic vocal delivery.
Overall, this is a very good album, but certainly not a classic of any kind. Italian prog aficionados will definitely want to have this album in their collection however, a solid record, if a tad inconsistent.