Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM)
Label: Sony BMG
Release: 2006
Rating: 4.5/5
The legends of Italian progressive rock turned out plenty of masterpieces in the past, especially in the first half of the 70s, and those records also stayed an unreachable standard for a long time, one that even two decades later nobody had quite managed to get close to. The 80s and 90s brought mostly average-at-best studio albums, and it already seemed that Premiata Forneria Marconi (or PFM, if that’s easier) would go down as legends who coast on the inheritance of their former glory these days, when their latest studio effort landed in my hands. After just two spins came the very pleasant realization that “Stati Di Immaginazione” is easily one of their best albums, and not even all that far from their greatest masterpieces like “Storia Di Un Minuto” (1972) and “Per Un Amico” (1972). With no less satisfaction I can conclude that this is one of the best prog rock releases of 2006. It’s honestly unbelievable that Premiata Forneria Marconi are enjoying a fresh rebirth in the 21st century and have taken yet another step forward in the maturity of their music, something that hasn’t happened since the end of the 70s at the very least.
Ever since keyboardist and vocalist Flavio Premoli left them (again, unexpectedly), PFM have been reduced to a trio, which, luckily, they managed to turn to their advantage. The lineup on this album consists of original members Franco Mussida on electric, classical and acoustic guitar and Franz Di Cioccio on drums, plus longtime member Patrick Djivas on bass guitar and plastic flute. To the delight of all the symphonic maniacs, the trio gets help from two special guests: former member Lucio “Violino” Fabbri on violin and keyboards, and Gianluca Tagliavini on keyboards, Hammond organ and Moog synthesizer.
“Stati Di Immagianzione”, a fully instrumental album, is also a half-conceptual one, telling various stories from historical epochs across eight tracks: from prehistory to a cyber-tinged future. Along the way it also touches on the explorations of visionaries like Leonardo and Archimedes, as well as some lesser-known events, like the one centered on a group of simple folk who, at the start of the last century, during a time of vast floods, lived in a small fishing village somewhere in the Netherlands (Nederland, 1903). The music itself has, to my great delight and surely to the delight of all fans of quality symphonic prog rock in the Mediterranean style, moved back toward the high standards of the 70s. It’s all here, everything your heart could desire: majestic interplay of guitars and layered keyboards, constantly shifting moods, plenty of subtle solos and stunningly beautiful arrangements that will have every symphonic gourmet licking their fingers.
“La Terra dell’ Acqua” opens with spacey keyboard sounds, an extremely fragile guitar and a refined bass line. Then, through a superb violin solo, the mood starts to gain intensity. After a rattling run of dynamic bass, we get to enjoy the interplay of piano and an inspiring guitar solo, which together with dramatic drums builds an incredibly tense atmosphere. Suddenly a melancholic piano section kicks in, followed by a final bluesy guitar solo that, alongside a mighty rhythm line, wraps up a very strong start to the album. “Il Mondo in Testa” begins with a short, exquisitely subtle intro on piano and violin, then grows into a section where a bouncing rhythm drives the tempo through a pleasant mix of guitar, piano and violin, joined somewhere in the middle by a vibraphone. In places, mainly thanks to the vibraphone but also the incredible variability and inventive mood shifts, the piece slightly recalls something by Gentle Giant or even Frank Zappa. “La Conquista” is built mainly on a layered rhythm line and an inspiring interplay between rhythm guitar, bass and vibraphone. The mood shifts from extremely dreamy, with layered keyboards and fragile guitar, to bluesy, with wah-wah guitar and some interesting keyboard sounds. Especially impressive is the gorgeous, extended Moog synthesizer solo, which in places brings to mind their classic “E’ Festa” (Storia Di Un Minuto, 1972) or “Celebration” (Photos Of Ghosts, 1973) in its English version. The intro to “Il Sogno Di Leonardo” is built on a subtle weave of guitar and flute, followed by another very pretty interaction between piano and acoustic guitar. The rich sound of the violin and a slow synthesizer solo are a treat as well. The end result is an extremely romantic mood that paints countless visions of the legendary artist before your eyes as you listen. “Cyber Aplha” is built on a brilliant guitar solo with inspiring use of the wah-wah pedal and plenty of interesting keyboard sounds. The intro to “Aqua Azul” offers a subtle interplay between bass and symphonic curtains, which together form a thoroughly unique and melancholic sound. That’s followed by a succession of moods through inspired Moog synthesizer and violin playing. “Nederland 1903” has a dreamy atmosphere with beautiful piano and guitar parts, topped by incredibly sorrowful Hammond organ playing that creates the closing climax. “Visioni di Archimede” shows PFM at their very best. This masterpiece has absolutely everything a fan could wish for: a dynamic, variable sound with a brilliant electric guitar foundation, inspiring rhythm guitar, the mighty sound of the Hammond organ and spectacular Moog playing. It’s both the finale and the peak of PFM’s best album in the last 30 years.
I can wrap up my impressions with the almost unbelievable conclusion that this is a masterpiece both for the band and for the genre, one of the best albums not just in recent years but even back when the genre was at its peak. After a long time, Premiata Forneria Marconi have finally made an extremely dynamic, fluid and atmospheric album that, with its many-colored moods, grabs the listener in an instant and leaves them itching for repeat listens. “Stati Di Immaginazione” also marks a new beginning for a legendary band that has managed to shake off the burden of a glorious past, return in sound to where they were always strongest, and at the same time adapt successfully to modern production. “Stati Di Immaginazione” is one of the nicest musical surprises of 2006, proof that plenty of the genre’s legends are still very much alive, and that Italian symphonic prog, by all signs, is going to see a renaissance in this century.
Lineup
Franco Mussida – electric, classical and acoustic guitar
Patrick Djivas – bass guitar, fretless bass guitar, plastic flute
Franz Di Cioccio – drums, percussion
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Lucio Fabbri – violin, keyboards
Gianluca Tagliavini – keyboards, Hammond organ, Moog synthesizer
Production
Premiata Forneria Marconi
Tracklist
1. La terra dell’acqua (8:17)
2. Il mondo in testa (3:58)
3. La conquista (6:29)
4. Il sogno di Leonardo (6:44)
5. Cyber Alpha (4:28)
6. Agua Azul (3:53)
7. Nederland 1903 (3:23)
8. Visioni di Archimede (9:00)
Album length: 46:14
