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Reviews

Spirosfera — Umanamnesi
(Lizard 5490012, 1996, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1996-08-01

Umanamnesi Cover art

Does Alberto Piras have a twin brother? Spirosfera is an Italian quartet of guitar, bass / keys, drums, and dedicated lead vocalist Nicola Pavan, with regular guests on Hammond organ and saxes. Indeed, Pavan and company will initially remind of Deus Ex Machina in many respects, but in fact they encompass a slightly more quirky and theatrical sound, some clear hints from the 70s as well as some evident crimsonisms. With a bit more of that free-wheeling early 70s rock ethic, the compositions are solid and very interesting beginning to end. The band seems to have things more under control when they are crankin' rock – plenty of irregular signatures, angular stops and starts, and hair-splitting turns keep the pace in high gear. When they slow down, the sound wanders a bit more, often moving into a slightly more avant direction. While the comparisons with Deus Ex Machina are unavoidable, Spirosfera is certainly not as tight off the mark (I believe this is only their first album), yet they show a promising commitment to more challenging music, and should, in good time, be a force to contend with. Fans of DxM, as well as Area and other certifiable seventies' powerhouses should find a lot here to write home about.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 10, 1996 releases

Related artist(s): Spirosfera

 

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