The Italian band Aliante was formed in 2017, offering a blend of classic Progressive Rock sounds with a modern, personal touch. We have already reviewed and enjoyed the band’s previous work, and today we are going to listen to their new record. Titled “Anime Invisibili,” it was released on September 26, 2024 via Ma.Ra.Cash. Records and consists of a long suite divided into 4 epic tracks ranging from 8 to over 15 minutes in length. The first track on the album, “Sopravvissuti,” is over 12 minutes long and immediately immerses us in the band’s progressive sounds with that 70s feel but reinterpreted in a modern key. Remarkable keyboard and guitar interlacing accompanies us throughout the track, following the continuous tempo changes of a solid and elaborate rhythm section. Very interesting keyboard work, with the synth adding an electronic and modern touch to the sound, permeated however with that unmistakable retro style that we Prog fans love so much. In a succession of solo interventions and more choral phrasing the track flows intensely and engages the listener from start to finish, there could not be a better opener. At over eight minutes long, “L’eco dalle Onde” is the ‘shortest’ of the disc, featuring a deep, load-bearing bass line and granite drumming in the rhythm section. The organ immediately brings to mind the sounds of the early 70s, underlined by the synth interventions, in pure Italian style as in the best tradition. A solid track, with the electric guitar creating excellent mixtures with the keyboards, while the central theme is developed through symphonic openings and more heavy passages that are always well constructed and alternated. The second part develops with more modern sounds and elaborates the theme of the track with keyboards as protagonists on a killer bassline with Funky traits in certain passages. “Orange Blue” opens with electronic keyboard sounds, giving an Ambient feel to the sound, hypnotic and enveloping and enhanced by a fine use of effects. A mixture of Progressive sounds and a Jazzy touch that certainly enhances the band’s technique in both composition and performance. A constantly evolving track, with very intense and emotional symphonic openings, alternating with more intricate passages. The band is skilful at blending different sounds and exploring the various facets that characterise its markedly original style. In the finale, the band concludes with a musical crescendo and the guitar in evidence. The tracklist ends with “Nuit Dans le Desert” an epic over 15 minutes long and the longest on the album. Keyboards open the track with an intro that flows into a refined progressive theme with synth and guitar phrasing creating dreamy and emotional melodies and solo inserts. An alternation of softer and more delicate passages, tempo changes that increase the intensity offering a sound more steeped in Rock sounds. The long duration of the track is exploited in its entirety to evolve the central theme of the song, offering high-level ideas and cues, always refined and very elaborate. An album that confirms how good this band has heard previously, showing a mature and refined sound in all its facets. The search for classic Progressive Rock sounds, reproposed in a modern key is well successful and makes this listen one of the best so far of this 2024. The long tracks offer many quality ideas and passages, enhancing the band’s compositional and excutive technique. A recommended listninge for all lovers of the more classic Progressive Rock sounds, with a modern twist and long instrumental textures full of interesting cues.
Tracklist
01. Sopravvissuti (12:16)
02. L’eco dalle Onde (08:16)
03. Orange Blue (09:03)
04. Nuit Dans le Desert (15:23)
Lineup
Davide Capitanio / Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Effects
Michele Lenzi / Keyboards, Bassoon, Acoustic Guitar, Flute
Alfonso Capasso / Bass, Effects
Jacopo Giusti / Acoustic & Electronic drums, Didgeridoo
Grazie mille dagli Aliante
Un vero piacere ascoltare e recensire lavori di questo livello. Prog On!!