I Giullari di Corte is an Italian Progressive Rock band formed in Bologna in 2002. After releasing a demo and going through a period of hiatus and lineup changes, the group returned in 2020 with an album that breathed new life into the project. On June 27, 2025, they released their latest work, “Via Fulton 4,” through Areasonica Records. The album offers eight tracks, each ranging between three and five minutes in length. The record opens with “Genesi,” a track steeped in dark atmospheres and sung in Italian. The piece leaves ample room for instrumental sections, embracing Progressive Rock with a retro flavor. The second half is marked by a guitar solo that takes center stage and enriches the overall texture. “Fatto, Sfatto e Soddisfatto” follows with its irreverent title and a deep, driving bass line. The rhythm section delivers continuous tempo changes, while guitar and keyboards develop the theme. The addition of synth in the second part adds an intriguing element that expands the sonic palette. “La Corsa sul Tempo” blends Prog Rock traits with influences from Italian singer-songwriter tradition. The songwriting shines through, supported by keyboards that evoke echoes of early ’70s bands. Here, the group reveals another facet of their sound. “Shine on You Crazy Divac“—a clear play on the Pink Floyd classic title—takes a different musical path. Organ-driven Progressive Rock leads the way, interwoven with guitar solos that create effective interplay. The rhythm section is solid and dynamic, making this, in my view, the album’s most convincing and incisive piece so far. “Giullare” opens with a burst of laughter before evolving into a rough-edged song with Italian vocals. In my opinion, the piece feels less impactful, as it doesn’t fully capitalize on either its Italian musicality or Progressive elements. However, it regains some momentum in the finale, thanks to a guitar solo and an energetic acceleration from the rhythm section. With “Venerdì,” the band explores a more Hard Rock-oriented side, driven by a robust bass line and engaging guitar riffs that nod to vintage Heavy Rock. The central melodic section feels somewhat disjointed, creating a contrast that, in my opinion, doesn’t entirely flow as a natural evolution of the piece. The track ultimately returns to its Rock roots, closing with a guitar solo that reprises the opening theme. “Il Cappellaio Matto” stands out as the album’s most intricate composition, characterized by constant tempo shifts and a prominent organ that helps shape an appealing prog amalgam. When the band ventures into these more elaborate territories, the result is, in my view, far more compelling and highlights the musicians’ technical skills. The organ solo is particularly noteworthy. The album concludes with “Che Fine ha Fatto la Signora Colombo?,” which follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by offering a sound that better reflects the band’s strengths. The blend of vintage and modern elements, refined synth work, solid guitar riffs, and a tight rhythm section bring the album to a satisfying close. “Via Fulton 4” presents several engaging moments, particularly in the final two tracks, which stand out as the most cohesive and incisive. The band’s instrumental prowess and compositional ability shine brightest in the more progressive and elaborate passages. Overall, the album offers interesting ideas, alternating between moments of great inspiration and others that are less convincing. With their experience and a few refinements, I Giullari di Corte show promise for future releases that could fully express their potential.
Purchase and Stream “Via Fulton 4” here: https://lnk.fuga.com/igiullaridicorte_viafulton4
Tracklist
01. Genesi (4:55)
02. Fatto, Sfatto e Soddisfatto (4:04)
03. La Corsa sul Tempo (5:19)
04. Shine on you Crazy Divac. ()
05. Giullare (5:07)
06. Venerdì (4:37)
07. Il Cappellaio Matto (3:28)
08. Che Fine ha Fatto la Signora Colombo? (3:13)
Lineup
Alessio De Angelis / Drums and Vocals
Matteo Ballestrazzi / Bass and Vocals
Paolo Zacchi / Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals