Emerging from the vibrant underground of Italian Experimental Rock, Cormorano return with a work that defies easy classification and demands full immersion. With “L’inciampo nell’Uovo,” the band crafts an intricate sonic and lyrical journey, merging the legacies of ‘70s Progressive Rock, Jazz, Brass-Rock and Italian Folklore into a forward-thinking, socially conscious statement. Far from nostalgic mimicry, this album is a modern and deeply personal reinterpretation of the avant-garde spirit once championed by acts like Area and Stormy Six — but with a voice, a message, and an urgency all of its own. A multifaceted experience, “L’inciampo nell’Uovo” invites listeners to step outside conventions, reflect on the dissonances of the modern world, and reconnect with a more meaningful sense of artistic engagement. What follows is not just a review — but a guided tour through one of the most compelling and necessary records the contemporary Italian scene has produced in recent years. The album opens with an immediately Experimental approach through “Pax MSG From Universe,” a track built around a constantly evolving vocal line, reminiscent in part of Stratos’ expressive phrasing. The music weaves a dense and intricate network of rhythmic figures and sonic experimentation, blending analog textures, ambient swells, and pulsating layers of synths and effects. The spoken word vocals, enriched by a variety of timbral manipulations, evoke a cosmic landscape — a sensory journey through space and beyond. As the music unfolds, it becomes clear that this is not just a song but an immersive experience — a piece of ‘Experimental magic.’ “Agguati Urbani” introduces horns and synths that drive the sonic narrative, with vocals tackling poignant social themes, as suggested by the title. The track is rhythmically engaging, with tempo shifts that enrich the arrangement, combining a Funk-infused groove with Brass-Rock nuances. This is a perfect synthesis of retro inspiration and contemporary disillusionment — a sonic bridge between past struggles and present-day stagnation. The guitar contributes a sharp, expressive solo that adds weight and melodic depth. With “Somia,” the band leans into unmistakable ’70s influences, with vocals that recall the spirit of Area, while the arrangement unfolds into an articulate Jazz-Rock suite with strong Progressive overtones. The brass and organ work elevate the track to another level, showcasing once again the band’s technical finesse and conceptual clarity. Instead of imitation, Cormorano craft a sound that pays tribute while carving out a personal and modern identity. The synth and horn sections are particularly evocative, conjuring a vivid temporal shift — backward in sound, forward in message. The lyrics remain grounded in present-day issues, and the track ends with a guitar solo that blooms into a powerful crescendo before the final vocal interjection. “Amico (oltre le nuvole, come gli Dei)” presents itself as an intimate, Jazz-inflected composition. The atmosphere is delicate, contemplative, with warm, expressive vocals delivering a heartfelt tribute to a friend. The piece’s structure balances emotional depth with elegant musical interplay, placing it firmly within the realm of refined Jazz Rock. “Ora” evokes the golden era of 1970s Italian Music, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens and infused with Progressive elements. It adds a new dimension to the band’s sound — softer in tone, but no less impactful in message. The sensitivity of the lyrics remains central, even in this more tender context. The piece develops with careful nuance, expanding the album’s emotional palette while maintaining the group’s identity. A more layered compositional approach here would further amplify its expressive power — but its role in the tracklist is well played. With “Trutse Nalem,” Cormorano brilliantly incorporate elements of Italian folk heritage, in keeping with the tradition of many great progressive acts of the past. A dynamic rhythm, rich with engaging saxophone lines and hypnotic grooves, unfolds into a beautifully arranged piece where Prog and Folklore collide in inspired harmony. The interaction between synth and accordion is particularly noteworthy — a rare and effective fusion that exemplifies the band’s inventive spirit. “SocialNetwork” delivers a Jazzy, Canterbury-tinged feel through the lush interplay of horns and keys. It stands as a biting yet constructive critique of our modern relationship with social media. The verse — “Onorevoli e Ministri postano come matti // Consumano energie e i nostri coglioni” — hits with raw truth, no filter needed. This is how music should speak: loud, clear, and unapologetically real. The vocal phrasing gives the message space to breathe and resonate, while the instrumental arrangements offer refined, carefully layered textures. The chorus, echoing forgotten mantras like “fare l’amore e dopo la rivoluzione,” reminds us of ideals we’ve too often abandoned in this frantic, short-lived world. It may sound utopian — but only if we stop believing in the power of art to change minds. This is what message-driven music looks like: intelligent, emotional, and grounded. The album closes with the 8-minute “C’è che Sei – Paesazione 2,” beginning with a gritty, fuzz-laden guitar and gradually expanding into a rhythmic and synthetic voyage. Vocals and instruments interweave to explore the band’s most avant-garde side, in a track that grows in intensity and depth with every minute. Layer upon layer builds an atmospheric and immersive sound, culminating in a refined progressive suite that leaves the listener with a profound sense of closure — yet an irresistible urge to start the whole journey again. Whenever I encounter projects like this, I find myself deeply intrigued — not only by the stylistic and musical paths they take, but also by the lyrical depth and the themes they choose to confront. Cormorano have created something truly powerful here: an album that resonates far beyond the limits of genre or trend. So many of the messages we casually “like” and share online find real grounding here — not as slogans, but as lived, felt, and sonically embodied truths. Musically, the band bridges Progressive Rock, Avant-Garde experimentation, Italian folk heritage, and touches of Jazz and Canterbury, resulting in a deeply layered and culturally rich experience. “L’inciampo nell’Uovo” is not a record to be played once and set aside — it demands repeated listens, and with each spin, new details and meanings unfold. This, in my view, is the true spirit of Progressive music: a commitment to stepping outside the box, not for novelty’s sake, but with purpose, competence, and a sincere desire to say something real. A must-listen. Not just a great album — but a modern Progressive gem. Be sure to pay close attention to the lyrics: they’re not just clever, they’re essential.
Find more and Purchase info here: http://www.lizardrecords.it/cormorano-linciampo-delluovo/
Tracklist
01. Pax MSG From Universe (04:50)
02. Agguati Urbani (04:05)
03. Somia (07:09)
04. Amico (oltre le nuvole, come gli Dei) (03:53)
05. Ora (04:03)
06. Trutse Nalem (04:29)
07. SocialNetwork (03:38)
08. C’è che Sei – Paesazione 2 (08:38)
Lineup
Gabriele Giovanardi / Sax
Antonio Dondi /Drums
Raffaello Regoli / Vocals
Francesco Boni / Bass
Elia Filippini / Keyboards
Michele Zanni / Guitar
With:
Alice Sandri / Vocals
Leonardo Zanni / Guitar