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Premiata Forneria Marconi — Ulisse
(RTI 1146-2, 1997, CD)

by Mike McLatchey, Published 1999-04-01

Ulisse Cover art

The new album by Italian stalwarts PFM bears interesting comparisons. While many Yes fans continue to buy new albums by Yes irregardless of style or substance, I would wager that fans who bought PFM’s The World Became the World in the 70s may not know that the kings of Italian progressive symphonic rock are still alive and well. PFM in the 90s are as different from their early incarnation as Yes, ELP, or Genesis are, creating a sophisticated pop sound that benefits from the input of its nearly-original members. Not to mention that PFM’s current vocals are their best since the first few albums, because this is the line-up before Lanzetti came in in the 70s. I’m one of those people who feel that Yes, Genesis, et. al. haven’t created anything worthwhile since the 70s, and readers with similar feelings might ask, “Is it worth checking out?” PFM’s current style reminds me of groups like Abba, Roxy Music, Mike and the Mechanics, or Toto: a slick melodic, romantic European soft rock. Yet even music such as this can shine in places when played by musicians of the caliber of Mussida, Premoli et. al. It continues the question of whether a 70s “prog” group who made timeless classics in their heyday are worth following even when most of the references that made us fans in the first place are long gone. Being an ardent admirer of Italian symphonic rock has its strong influence on my opinion, the occasional keyboard flourish or guitar riff still brings back memories of the classic years. At times, PFM still has what it takes, reaching an occasional peak that most of our pet dinosaurs have forgotten in their sterility. I’ll still have better luck with that last four-CD live set.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 17, 1997 releases

Related artist(s): Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM)

 

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