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Review:
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AThis Italian band are proud to call themselves “old
skool prog metal”, they even have the T shirts to prove
it, but this does them a disservice, it just means that
they aren't trying to shock you into stupor with heaviness
and technicality, which seems to be the current trend, they
want to keep you entertained, not boggle you with science.
A mix of Dream Theater, Kamelot, IQ, Yes and Argent, the
surges of musical skill are more than matched by superb
melodies creating a diverse and fascinating listening experience.
They were founded way back in 1991, but didn't get round
to releasing their début album, Time Frames, until 2005.
Since then they have added captivating Cecilia Mengh to
their ranks, her outstanding dynamic rock vocals juxtaposed
with Luca Benni's lighter Colin Blunstone style voice making
for an interesting combination, and as the album unfolds
she becomes the dominant partner. This is like putting on
your favourite woolly jumper, comfortable, comforting, familiar
and warming. Ten great songs full of variety packed with
loads of great tunes and some terrific Moog and guitar solos
by Andrea Corsetti and Daniele Palloni. I am particularly
taken with the catchy 'Tomorrow', the uplifting 'Garden
of the Dark Lord', the delightful 'Awake in the Cosmic Dream',
the strutting 'Lucid Dream' and the mighty 'Wounds' which
starts like a Roman epic. To cap it all, the hidden track
after 'Stand Before I Crawl' is a cracking version of Supertramp's
'Breakfast in America', written by Roger Hodgson when was
just 18 and had never ever even been to America. The old
adage is that if it aint bust, don't fix it, “old skool”
it may be, but who cares, this is great stuff that will
appeal to rock and metal fans as well. Charge along to their
Facebook, http://www.myspace.com/exawatt
and the album is plugged at the Musea shop a fully powered
8.75 out of 10.
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