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STERBUS
Let Your Garden Sleep In
(2021 - Zillion Watt Records- Italy)

https://sterbus.bandcamp.com/album/let-your-garden-sleep-in

Possibly the most gentle and romantic you will ever hear Sterbus sound, as this has several strong characteristics of a contrasting honeymoon and breakup album, mixed with both the playful goodness of Gruppo Sportivo and Supersister, a dose of Canterbury delight (check out the first track), and pure Emanuele Sterbini in a more relaxed, reflective, and sentimental frame of mind. I suspect the world as we all know it (except the filthy rich) was the catalyst for such an amorous and pleasing set of compositions, but far more important is the dedication inside the CD "to the Leader of the Starry Skies, Dr Tim Smith" which stands strong as both a deep reason to take note (the all too soon and sad death of Tim Smith of Cardiacs and various fabulous other output) and to listen closely to this special album. Track #7 is titled 'My Friend Tim'. It speaks of Tim giving us another mindset. The mourning shows through, as well as some sincere love for that magical artist (Tim).  This is absolutely sensational.  Plenty of dimensional genre dancing.

The musicians are: Francesco Grammatico (Cello, Trombone, Trumpet, Organ) / Pablo Tarli (Drums, Tambourine ) / Riccardo Piergiovanni (Piano, Electric Piano, Synth [Square Synth], Organ, Harpsichord, Mellotron) / Brenda Gagarina (Shaker, Tambourine, Gong, Vibraslap, Cowbell) / Dominique D'avanzo (Vocals, Clarinet, Flute) / and master of ceremony Emanuele Sterbini (Vocals, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Synth, Synth Strings). Additional credits go to Dominique D'avanzo (Lyrics) and music by Emanuele Sterbini. All songs recorded, engineered, mixed, and produced by Giovanna Dominique Damiana D’Avanzo*, Emanuele Sterbini. Finally. mastered by – Francesco Grammatico. Fans will notice a curb of the multi-part harmonies with Emanuele and Dominique which are so wonderful on previous outings, but the more sparse duo is refreshing and affecting. Some string parts are beauteous. Many listens will open up avenues like a burst of rainbow sunlight smiling at each person on the receiving end. Oh this is great! I've never heard Emanuele sound more like an Italian RJ Stips on vocals, but with the spiritual essence of Professor Smith. Some may even catch the air floating trumpet by Al Strachan on the last curt ('Murmerations') which is worth the price of the album by itself. A tearjerker.

Okay so here is where I make my point once again, to all the people who do not buy the physical format, but only download or do a quick sound byte listen to any album. If someone who knows nothing about Tim Smith, or Sterbus, and they simply listen without notes, important info inside the jacket, or even bother to read what is posted on Bandcamp (or other online media site), they will be totally lost and far too critical on an album such as this. Why? Because the music is a bit sad, and minus some (but not all by any means) the urgency often in early Sterbus music, but the real tricky part is the lyrics are deep with clues, poignancy, and are indeed very touching. And once a listener knows the focus here, it all opens up and floods you with significance. It is why I always listen more than once to any recording I am going to review. There is nothing fair about taking a quick audition on a disc,and on any given day, then making a big judgement on it that many others will read. Bottom line is 'Let Your Garden Sleep In' gets better and better with each absorption. A HUGE RECOMMENDATION! (and listing on TOP CHOICES of 2021 at Big Beautiful Noise). STUNNING MOMENTS AND MORE! (Can you stop crying now? If not, it is perfectly understandable).

 
 ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 2 - 12 - 2022


 
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BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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