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: : Le Orme –
L’Infinito : :
L’Infinito sees the completion of the trilogy first begun with Il Fiume
and continuing with Elementi.
I believe this album was actually released some time last year. It would
not be the first time I have come late to reviewing one of their albums
– they don’t seem to receive much publicity or promotion, at least
certainly not here in the UK.
Le Orme play a very appealing, melodic classical style of Italian prog
which can sometimes sound determinedly old fashioned and formulaic.
However, fans of the bands 70’s classic albums such as Felona E Serona
and Contrappunti may find the bands more recent albums a little more
commercial and upbeat in tone. A lot of the songs are actually quite
short form this sort of material - indeed the albums entire length runs
just 45 minutes. Happily this is not a problem for me – in fact I find
the albums very easy to listen to in one complete sitting. I guess
rather like those well worn “which Yes is best” arguments, I just enjoy
the band for what they are and can appreciate both the old and the newer
material.
It should be noted that this album does follow the pattern of the
previous album very closely – musically, lyrically and thematically. I
think it’s safe to say if you have enjoyed the previous two albums you
will probably like this one also - maybe. However, there are also a
couple of short piano and vocal interludes that feel a little like
filler between the main songs.
I did not find the opening instrumental Il Tuono E La Luce as powerful
and immediate as Elementi’s excellent synth fanfare opener Danza Del
Vento. However, that small disappointment is soon forgotten when Aldo
Tagliapietra’s wonderfully soothing voice is heard for the first time. I
guess if you were to define what gives the band their own distinctive
sound Aldo’s voice would have to be a major factor - I am always
reminded of a lot of great classical Italian operatic and popular
singers every time I hear his incredible voice.
Shanti incorporates some classic Hammond organ lines dancing playfully
around gentle acoustic piano, climaxing with a hymn-like chant from
Aldo.
The title track is definitely one of the albums high points, with
sampled strings, flutes and horns backed by bass and drums bringing to
mind some of The Enid’s best work. A change in tempo to a militaristic
beat and more of Aldo’s soaring vocals bring the song to a suitably
grandiose climax.
Si Puo’ Imaginare I find the most lyrically appealing track on the album
and is another wonderful song. I don’t pretend to understand Italian,
but rather like Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption, in the scene
where the cons are standing and listening to the operatic music in the
yard – I don’t actually know what is being sung but I can appreciate the
beauty of it nevertheless. The song picks up the tempo and incorporates
some of Andrea Bassato’s terrific violin, as well as some very tasteful
keyboards during the instrumental section, ending on a reprise of the
main chorus.
Canto is another very strong
track that contains some great piano work and some lovely old fashioned
synth lines complimenting Aldo’s vocals. Thematically this is one of the
albums strongest, with some terrific guitar work complimenting Michele
Bon’s superb keyboards.
Aldo’s sitar makes its now obligatory appearance on La Ruota Del Cielo.
This is a very breezy, easygoing and optimistic track that culminates
with a great foot-stomping duel between Aldo’s sitar and Andrea’s
violin. In fact, swap that sitar for an acoustic and you would almost
have a Cajun song!
Some more of that traditional Hammond sound dominates Tra La Luna E Il
Sole, a stately, majestic number that also benefits greatly from more of
Michele Bon’s lead synth notes.
The brief instrumental Come Onde Sull’Oceando harks back very strongly
to the material on Il Fiume, which is fitting for the climax of the
trilogy. A suitably epic reprise of the title track finishes things off
in grand style.
A good album then, if perhaps not quite as strong as the previous two.
It will be interesting to see where the band go next, having completed
this trilogy. I would like to see them alter their style a little
though. As good as the recent albums are, they could be a little too
formulaic at times.
But these guys have been going for some time now, and there’s no doubt
they are still capable of producing some great stuff.
I personally will be watching their next venture with great interest.
Rating: 7 of 10
Reviewed By: John Morley
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Ad gloriam - 1969 red/silver
label
L'aurora Car - 1970
Collage Philips - 1971
Uomo di pezza - 1972
Felona e Sorona - 1973
In concerto - 1974
Smogmagica - 1975
Verità nascoste - 1976
Storia o leggenda - 1977
Florian -1979
Piccola rapsodia dell'ape - 1980
Venerdì - 1982
Orme - 1990
Il fiume Tring - 1997 gatefold
Element - 2001 |
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