Album Review: LAVIANTICA – Clessidra

Self Released – Release Date: 2 September 2013

Is there anywhere in Europe that isn’t producing progressive rock music of the highest order at the moment?

Following in the solid tradition of Rock Progressivo Italiano big hitters of the seventies such as Banco, Le Orme and particularly PFM, come Laviantica, a Rome-based outfit who, without slavish duplication, have taken the template forward with some quite stunning results.

For those unaware of the rapid rise (and gradual decline) of RPI it was a very Italian take on everything that was going on in the UK – prog-wise – at the time, a potent mix of Yes, Genesis, ‘Floyd and particularly King Crimson.

And thus it is here, as Laviantica trawl said bands’ legacy and come up with their own refreshingly idiosyncratic version of events.

Based on the concept of time (Clessidra: hourglass) and weather there are moments of absolute beauty everywhere, reminding this listener very much of fellow Italian cinematic mood-setters Hostsonaten – and trust me, that’s some accolade.

Nine tracks in total, and with the exception of instrumental opener ‘Intro’ and closer, the epic eleven minute instrumental ‘Laviantica’ the album is sung in Italian throughout.

Problem? Of course not – who would go to see ‘La Traviata’ sung in English?

The opening track very much sets the scene with its celestial, wide-screen feel acting as hypnotic medication to settle the soul for the journey…

…And what follows is definitely music for the soul.

That’s not to say it is soporific or monotonous, in fact the time signature changes keep you on your toes and the band do rock out from time to time – but the overall ambiance is one of, well, ambiance really.

There are multi-layered keyboards, delicate piano, flecks of acoustic guitar and plenty of Gilmouresque electric wig-outs to satisfy the most dedicated prog-head and whilst the vocals of Paolo Perilli are hardly up there with Anderson and Gabriel, they’re competent enough to get the job done.

All in all an exquisite piece of work that has the capability to relax and amaze in equal measure – a difficult trick carried off with aplomb.

****

Review by Alan Jones

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)