In the early 1970s, within the vibrant musical scene of the Castelli Romani area near Rome, the adventure of Sigmund Freud began — one of the many bands that emerged from that creative wave which gave birth to Italy’s Progressive Rock movement. Born in the summer of 1972, the band quickly drew inspiration from the sounds of the time, shaping a personal and lively musical identity where words and music intertwined in an imaginative dialogue of colors, moods, and metaphysical storytelling. After performing extensively across Rome’s open-air festivals — from Villa Ada to Villa Pamphili — the group recorded for RCA and EMI in 1975, though an album never materialized. Now, thanks to Black Widow Records of Genoa, those recordings have been restored and remastered, capturing the warmth and authenticity of the original tapes. Risveglio finally brings to light compositions written and performed in the band’s golden years, filled with Hammond organ, Mini Moog, and Mellotron textures that perfectly embody the Italian Progressive Rock spirit. The album opens with “Fiori Di Polvere Bianca,” immediately immersing the listener in Sigmund Freud’s musical world — a refined blend of Italian Progressive Rock and the melodic sensibility of Italian songwriting. The lyrics explore themes of disillusion and false freedom, while the arrangement alternates vocal passages of emotional weight with instrumental sections featuring elegant flute lines and layered guitars and keyboards. The piece strikes a delicate balance between expressiveness and composition, reminiscent of the Roman school’s classic sound. “Giochi d’Ombre” follows, a dreamy and poetic composition that merges a fairytale-like atmosphere with progressive sophistication. The warm and emotional vocals rise over an arrangement that gradually expands in intensity, evoking echoes of New Trolls and Locanda delle Fate. In the second half, flute and guitar interlace gracefully with the keyboards, crafting a passage full of harmonic detail and melodic tenderness before concluding in a refined, emotionally charged finale. With “Palla di Neve,” the tone becomes more dramatic. A majestic introduction of keyboards and orchestral layers opens into a complex, rhythmically solid structure enriched by tempo changes and strong melodic lines. The lyrics, focused on social and moral themes, denounce oppression and violence, while the arrangement alternates symphonic openings with more energetic parts. It’s an intense and well-constructed track that feels both classic and timeless, bridging vintage Progressive Rock with the immediacy of song-driven storytelling. “La Quiete Dopo la Tempesta” blends classic Progressive elements with a modern touch. Long instrumental sections reveal the interplay between guitars and keyboards, with intricate rhythmic variations and solo passages that highlight the group’s technical precision. The vocals deliver the lyrics with conviction and emotional depth, while the overall structure recalls the great tradition of 1970s Italian Prog, executed with contemporary clarity and coherence. “Epilogo” brings a shift toward a more introspective and symphonic direction. The flute adds a pastoral color to the refined textures of the arrangement, while the vocals alternate between melodic sweetness and intensity. The piece encapsulates the band’s essence: a romantic yet complex form of Progressive Rock, steeped in poetic imagery and emotional resonance. The album closes with “Freud 70’s Medley,” a sixteen-minute suite built around archival material from the band’s early days. Acting as a true time capsule, it weaves together guitars, keyboards, winds, and shifting rhythmic figures, creating a vivid picture of Sigmund Freud’s creative evolution. The medley stands as a genuine testimony to their artistry — a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered energy of 1970s Italian Prog. With “Risveglio,” Sigmund Freud reclaim their place in the history of Italian Progressive Rock, unveiling a long-lost chapter that feels both authentic and profoundly alive. Far from being a mere nostalgic exercise, the album represents a genuine act of artistic rediscovery, where every note carries the warmth of experience and the spark of renewed passion. Between Symphonic elegance, lyrical depth, and melodic richness, “Risveglio” bridges past and present with sincerity and class. It is not just a reissue — it is a rebirth, proving once again that music, when made with heart and vision, knows no age and no boundaries.
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Tracklist
01. Fiori di Polvere Bianca
02. Giochi d’Ombre
03. Palla di Neve
04. La Quiete dopo la Tempesta
05. Epilogo
Bonus Track:
065. Freud 70s medley
Lineup
Claudio Ciuffa / Electric and Classical Guitar, Flute, Soprano Saxophone
Marco Cavaterra / Electric Bass
Claudio Carbonetti / Synthesizers, Moog, Mellotron, Piano, Vocals
Evandro Gabiati / Drums, Percussion
Dino Pacini / Electric and Classical Guitar
Luca Allori / Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Laura Castroni / Vocals, Backing Vocals, and Devices