Il Bacio della Medusa come from Perugia
and were formed in 2002 by Simone Cecchini (vocals, 6 & 12
acoustic guitar, mandolin, charango), Federico Caprai (bass) and Diego
Petrini (drums, organ, keyboards, piano, vibraphone, percussion). Later the line up was completed by Simone Brozzetti (guitar) and Eva Morelli (flute) and in 2004 was released an eponymous debut album. “Discesa agl’inferi d’un
giovane amante”, Il Bacio della Medusa's second album was recorded between 2005 and 2006 but it
wasn’t released until 2008. On this album, the line-up features a new member, Daniele Rinchi
(viola, violin) who joined the band in 2005 giving his contribution to
the evolution of the band’s sound and song-writing, now more balanced,
rich and “classically” oriented. Then, the deal with the independent
label Black Widow Records gave the band the chance to work in
tranquillity and the result is an excellent mix of classical influences
and rock that perfectly fits the dark, poetical lyrics. Beautiful also
the art cover painted, as in the eponymous debut, by one of the members
of the band, Federico Caprai, who tries to describe in images and
colours the mood of this work...
“Discesa
agl’inferi d’un giovane amante” (Descent to Hell of a young lover) is a
concept album and the music flows away in a long suite for almost an
hour without breaks with sudden changes in rhythm and atmosphere... It
was inspired by the story of Paolo and Francesca, two clandestine lovers
that were caught red handed and stabbed to death by Francesca’s husband
(and Paolo’s brother) Gianciotto. The two characters were portrayed by
the poet Dante Alighieri
in his “Divina Commedia” but Dante’s poetry is only the starting point
from where the band develops a very original musical and poetical
journey...
The
opener “Preludio: il trapasso” (Prelude: passing away) describes in
music and words the moment when Paolo’s soul leaves his mortal body and
begins the journey towards hell... “Look at my body / It lies bloodless
on the ground... Heavy boats sail towards hell / The air is burning upon
me / In the silence I’m looking for you...”. Delicate and expressive
piano, flute and violin passages are the ideal background for Simone
Cecchini’s passionate vocals evoking a love stronger than death and that
sound even more dramatic in the following “Confessione d’un amante”
(Confession of a lover). “In the crowd we’re looking for each other /
But the dark is between us... Francesca I love you for this eternity /
At length the light will come even into this dark caves / Let the
trumpets blare / The beast is snarling upon us...”.
The
instrumental “La bestia ed il delirio” (The beast and the delirium)
marks a change of mood, the rhythm rises and there is room for fiery
organ solos, heavy guitar riffs and “infernal dances” led by violin and
flute... Then a marching beat introduces “Recitativo: è nel buio che
risplendono le stelle” (Recitative: it’s in the dark that stars shine)
where the voice of Simone Cecchini describes an infernal landscape with
bent trees dripping blood... “The scream of the man now lies defeated on
the ground / All I can do is gather my shadow / Like an old worn,
smelly coat fallen down behind me... Oblivion is the cancer of
knowledge... It’s in the dark that lies the magic of every light / It’s
in the dark that stars shine...”.
In “Ricordi del supplizio” (Memories of the torment) a flute “à la Jethro Tull”
and a mellow rock sound underline the expression of rage against the
murderer... “I remember the violence of my death / His breath upon my
neck...”. Then “Nostalgia, pentimento e rabbia” (Nostalgia, repentance
and rage) leads to the instrumental “Sudorazione a freddo sotto il
chiaro di luna”, where “the blood runs cold under the moonlight...”.
In
Melancolia (Melancholy) a soaring feeling of nostalgia comes on the
wings of beautiful notes of flute veined by exotic echoes... “Once I
caught a prohibited apple / A bite couldn’t assuage my hunger / I drank
from a springing wine source / A sip couldn’t assuage my thirst... Why
on earth when I thought to love / A day like another the blade of a
dagger / Led me back into the ground...”.
The
last tracks are almost completely instrumental and, in a crescendo of
emotions, lead to an amazing, dramatic finale for this journey towards
hell of a young lover, carried away by the hot wind that benumbs his
limbs... “E fu allora che dalle fiamme mi sorprese una calda
brezza celeste”, “Nosce te ipsum: la bestia ringhia in noi”, “Corale per
messa da requiem” and “Epilogo: conclusione della discesa agl’inferi
d’un giovane amante” are the perfect conclusion for a flawless album.
Il Bacio della Medusa: Discesa agl’inferi d’un giovane amante (2008). Other opinions:
Jim Russell: If
you love hard '70s rock and/or classic period Italian progressive this
album is an absolute sure thing. Fantastic. My only worry is that I
can't imagine how they're going to top themselves next time. This is
music without cynicism-birthed purely with sincere motivations of
pleasing the music lover. When I recognize that certain authenticity in a
band it always makes it special to me. And now I undertake the mission
of spreading the word about this deserving band. I'll be picking up more
copies of this CD as gifts for rock loving friends... (read the complete review HERE)
Paul Fowler: I'm
certainly glad to have discovered this excellent Italian band and the
album is currently receiving well deserved heavy playing on my cd player
and almost certain to make my top ten of 2008. One to lay back, turn
out the lights and get lost in... (read the complete review HERE)
Read the interview with the band at Progarchives.com. Click HERE
More info:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Il-Bacio-della-Medusa/133459493379262
No comments:
Post a Comment