It is always a pleasure to be able to talk about historical bands of Progressive music, in this case Italian, such as Le Orme, among the most seminal of the 60s and 70s scene. The new album “Il Leone e la Bandiera” was released on April 15, 2024 via Orangle Records and contains nine tracks, including two live recordings. A pompous interweaving of organ and keyboards characterises the first track “Ouverture,” which, as per its title, introduces us to the album. The band’s classic sound is evoked by the first tempo changes and the song structure, which is markedly Symphonic Prog. The atmospheres and sounds of the Venetian lagoon open “Acqua di Luna,” with a soft guitar sound and deep, sweet vocals that also echo the band’s style. The intensity increases as the song progresses, developing the theme with marching drumming and keyboard inserts alternating with melodic vocals. Interesting solo synth work and tempo changes add value to the track. The common thread are the intros and outros with the sounds of the sea, which also characterise the intro of “Ferro E Fuoco.” A gritty, retro-flavoured track with a solid organ in pure 70s heavy prog style. The energetic and elaborate rhythm section adds a harder touch to the sound, enhancing the band’s heavier side with elegant keyboard work and punchy vocals enhanced by effects. “Lucciole Di Vetro” opens with a delicate interweaving of keyboards and a sweet, melodic vocal. A deep and intense track that is at the same time technical and elaborate in its instrumental sections, with technical keyboard and piano inserts. In the finale, the vocal returns for the last verses and the track closes in a musical crescendo. The band returns to more energetic sounds with “L’ Alba Della Partenza,” which opens with keyboards as the protagonists of the melodies. The first instrumental part is solid and incisive, before inserting the vocals in the middle part and bringing the sound into softer, more melodic territory. The choral parts are engaging, and in the finale we return to the opening theme with a solid Prog instrumental section over which the vocals also offer some vocal virtuosity. Piano and vocals characterise the first part of “Rosa dei Venti,” creating atmospheres and sounds full of pathos. It is the softest track on the album, with a more linear structure and a pleasant ending with an emotional chorus. The studio tracks conclude with “Caigo,” which picks up on the sound of the sea and a choral background in the intro, and then includes energetic percussive drumming. A track that makes us move, almost dance, energetic and rhythmic that leads into a Prog section with keyboards as protagonists in the finale. The album also includes live versions of “Rosa dei Venti” and “Acqua di Luna” performed with technique and quality, re-proposing the studio atmospheres with the same intensity. A good listen, which succeeds in some passages in bringing the classic essence of the band to the present day and in others in adding a personal touch to this line-up. References to classical sounds are present, alternating at best with fresh and modern ones, offering a varied and always intense tracklist. A good listen for all lovers of the band’s music and Italian Progressive Rock, still managing to excite listeners and fans after more than 50 years of career.
Tracklist
01. Ouverture (2:57)
02. Acqua di Luna (4:25)
03. Ferro E Fuoco (4:29)
04. Lucciole di Vetro (5:59)
05. L’ Alba Della Partenza (4:36)
06. Rosa dei Venti (4:48)
07. Caigo (7:23)
08. Rosa dei Venti [Live] (5:14)
09. Acqua di Luna [Live] (5:24)
Lineup
Michi Dei Rossi / Drums & Percussion
Michele Bon / Hammond C3 Organ, Backing Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer, Keyboards
Luca Sparagna / Bass, Backing Vocals, 12-String Guitar, EKO Bass Pedals
Aligi Pasqualetto / Piano, Synthesizers
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