There is a moment in every human journey when the need to “go elsewhere” becomes more than a dream — it becomes a calling. “Volevo Andare Altrove,” the debut album by ARIANUOVA, turns that universal impulse into a full-length Progressive Rock concept, exploring the ancient and unquenchable thirst for change, redemption, and inner renewal. Released by Lizard Records, the work unites four seasoned musicians — Daniele Olia (guitars, keyboards, lute, vocals), Luca Bonomi (drums), Massimo Zanon (vocals), and Michele Spinoni (guitar) — into a creative nucleus where experience and imagination converge in a sound both classic and forward-looking. Rooted in the tradition of Rock Progressivo Italiano yet projected toward a modern dimension, the album blends organic instrumentation — Hammond organ, pianos, acoustic guitars, orchestral textures — with a subtle use of electronics and vocal effects. The result is a soundscape of continuous motion, in which melodic sensibility and conceptual depth walk hand in hand. The production, handled by drummer Luca “Drumboy” Bonomi, lends clarity and warmth to an album that never feels nostalgic, but instead reinvents the vocabulary of Italian Prog through Cinematic dynamics and vivid storytelling. The opening instrumental “Rota Fortunae” sets the tone: a whirlwind of vintage keyboards, syncopated rhythms, and descending scales that depict the eternal turn of the Wheel of Fortune. In just over three minutes, ARIANUOVA evoke both the Symphonic grandeur of the ’70s and the restless pulse of modern life. The listener is immediately drawn into the conceptual journey — an introspective reflection on fate, time, and the longing for a better place, whatever that may mean. With “La Strada Buona,” the band delivers what might be considered the thematic centerpiece of the work. The lyrics express the urgency to break free from conformity and reclaim authenticity — “Non ho più tempo di perdere tempo a fare cose che non voglio fare.” The warm, expressive voice of Massimo Zanon leads the track through fluid transitions between melodic rock, New Wave shades, and refined symphonic inserts. The chorus — “C’è bisogno di aria nuova” — resonates like an anthem for renewal, encapsulating the spirit of the entire album: an honest desire to evolve, both personally and artistically. “Rainbow Bridge” takes a more atmospheric and introspective route, inspired by the Navajo legend of the bridge connecting Earth and the afterlife, where humans reunite with the animals they loved. The band translates this myth into sound through psychedelic textures, resonant guitars, and ethereal choirs — a piece reminiscent of Animals-era Pink Floyd, yet filtered through the Mediterranean sensitivity typical of Lizard’s roster. Rather than indulging in sadness, the song offers a contemplative serenity, turning loss into spiritual reflection. “Downfall,” the first of the purely instrumental pieces, represents the restless pursuit of success and recognition — and the inevitable collapse that follows ambition without balance. Built on a hypnotic guitar riff and a pulsating rhythmic foundation, it layers fragments of spoken words and cinematic echoes, evoking the chaos of modern society. The closing section, with its minimal electric piano, feels like a quiet descent after a vertiginous fall — the calm realization that even ruin can be revealing. The eight-minute “La Quiete Dopo La Tempesta” is a breathtaking representation of contrast and catharsis. Its architecture unfolds like a storm passing over the listener: serene beginnings give way to turbulence, powerful percussive sections, and vivid interplay between guitars and keyboards. There’s a subtle nod to the symphonic side of Italian masters such as PFM or the early Pooh, yet the band’s voice remains distinct — a mature balance of technique and emotion, of classic influences and contemporary phrasing. The acoustic interlude, almost pastoral, bridges the tempest to a luminous, soaring finale that restores harmony and hope. “La Commedia è Finita” is a touching ballad that blends Art-Rock craftsmanship with melodic Italian songwriting. The arrangement alternates introspective verses and grand symphonic flourishes, while Zanon’s performance captures both nostalgia and dignity — the inner voice of the artist confronting the end of an era. The refrain “Acta est fabula, plaudite” becomes an elegy for all musicians who refuse to vanish quietly, who keep creating despite the world’s indifference. It’s one of the most emotionally direct pieces on the record, a bittersweet reflection on time, art, and resilience. The monumental “L’orologio che Andava all’Indietro,” lasting over fifteen minutes, stands as the conceptual and musical climax. Structured as a seven-part suite, it embarks on a reverse voyage through memory and time, intertwining existential anxiety, cosmic speculation, and fragile beauty. The first segment, “Le Nuvole,” introduces an introspective mood, shifting into the claustrophobic descent of “Il Pozzo,” where sound design and dissonant layers mimic an inner fall. The central sections — “La Paura” and “L’Orizzonte degli Eventi” — bring experimentation to the fore, juxtaposing electronic textures, dynamic accelerations, and spacey reverberations. The finale, “Il Ritorno,” closes the circle with a slow, emotional build-up, returning to youth and lost innocence, as if awakening from a dream. It’s an extraordinary synthesis of the band’s vision: Progressive not by imitation, but by genuine evolution. The closing track “Fortunae Rota Volvitur” mirrors the opener with solemn, symphonic energy — two minutes of orchestral progression that complete the thematic cycle. It reaffirms the album’s philosophical axis: fate keeps turning, indifferent yet strangely benevolent, reminding us that every end is also a beginning. Yet for those who hold the physical edition, “Volevo Andare Altrove” holds one last secret — a hidden piece, a delicate coda reserved for those who still believe in the tactile ritual of listening. A fitting conclusion for a work so deeply rooted in the values of authenticity and human touch. “Volevo Andare Altrove” is a compelling statement of intent and identity. It’s not merely a concept album but a sonic journey through aspiration, downfall, renewal, and memory — a reflection on the human need to change direction without knowing the destination. ARIANUOVA have managed to condense their collective experience into an album of elegance, coherence, and emotional truth. Its strength lies in balance: between melody and experimentation, intellect and instinct, tradition and innovation. It’s a work that honors the great Italian progressive heritage while breathing new life into it — proof that there is indeed “bisogno di aria nuova.”
Purchase “Volevo Andare Altrove” here: http://www.lizardrecords.it/arianuova-volevo-andare-altrove/
Tracklist
01. Rota Fortunae (Instrumental) (3:30)
02. La strada buona (5:20)
03. Rainbow Bridge (6:12)
04. Downfall (4:57)
05. La quiete dopo la tempesta (Instrumental) (8:10)
06. La commedia e finita (6:45)
07. L’orologio che andava indietro (15:45)
08. Fortunae Rota volvitur (Instrumental) (2:10)
Lineup
Massimo Zanon / Vocals
Daniele Olia / Guitars, Keyboards, Lute
Michele Spinoni / Guitar
Luca Bonomi / Drums