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Reviews

Obscura — Le Città Invisibili
(Mellow MMP 480, 2007, CD)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2009-07-01

Le Città Invisibili Cover art

Le Città Invisibili is the debut release by Obscura, an Italian neo-prog band consisting of vocals, guitar, flute, bass, keyboards, and percussion. The title comes from the 1972 novel by Italian author Italo Calvino. Obscura play romantic symphonic progressive rock recalling the heyday of Italian progressives. However, their music is more of hybrid between the old and new, with no obvious comparisons. There are liberal doses of Mellotron, distorted guitars, beautiful piano and flute duets, orchestral and classical arrangements, and exquisite soaring guitar solos. It is a pleasure to listen to this disc. Over the course of the nine songs, Obscura seamlessly shifts styles from quiet keyboard and flute solos to high-energy rock. There is also a nod to medieval/Elizabethan music on the fifth song, “Ipazia.” Davide Cagnata’s Italian vocals are great, but secondary to the instrumentals that dominate the disc. The 14-page booklet presents the lyrics and artistic photographs, but very little information about the band. The entire package is outstanding and I highly recommend this CD to all progressive rock fans.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 37, 2007 releases

Related artist(s): Obscura

 

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