Blocco Mentale - "Phi Alpha Omega" (1973)

"Capita" is first track here. Blocco Mentale has the usual instrument settings plus flute and saxophone. It sounds mucho mucho good to these ears. Very harmonic and 'sunny' track. And the singer has a nice voice. Not heavy progressive, nor symphonic, this is rather very melodic and carefully arranged italian rock the way we all know it and love it.

"Arie e Mele" has some comeplex themes, and a different singer with a somewhat funny voice that fits in with this tracks odd themes. Still, very good, and a nice contrast to the previous song. The sax, flute and keyboards all build up a rich mood here. However, it is "Impressioni" that really shines here. It is moody, melancholic and reminds me of the many beautiful passages on ALUSA FALLAX' album. The flute plays a melody accompanied by an acoustic guitar, and the piano/keyboard sets in the atmosphere. Slowly, slowly the magic builds up, and the singer 'enters'. As I sad, a very melancholic sound/melody, simply a beautiful song. But somewhere in the middle of the song something happens. The tempo gets faster, the saxophone starts sounding like it was a part form OSANNA's "Palepoli" and the whole set kicks in to a more furious sound. Faboulus!

"Io e Me" shows yet another musical face. Harmonica(!) and acoustic guitar reveals another nice tune. Slightly 'trippy'(?) but great in showing the diversity captured allover this album.
"La Nuova Forza" gets the progressive act a bit more together. Many very inspiring and tight themes here. Sounding classical-orientated at times, the keyboardist shows of his abilities here. Some parts here have more on that post-psychedelic sound (also the guitar sounding like a sitar). Great themes though, as in many other tracks it sounds almost spiritual sometimes. The melody stands in focus here, not necessarily playing in 7/8 or instrmental passages all the way. Too often some bands tend to take themselves too seriously, sounding doomy and dramatic, so its nice to find these very 'positive' and joyous melodies here for a change.

"Ritorno"... the sound is a bit more 'serious' now. Very hard to get a grip on. One never knows what to expect in the next moment. I dont find that much to comment on this track, so perhaps it didnt speak to me that much...
"Verde" has this 'hymn'-like 'chorus'quality about it again. One is reminded of the band members running around in their white robes over summery fields, as depicted in the booklet. Not that complex or progressive, but rather as I have explained, that other ingredience; good and sunny melodies, really pleasant to give a listen to every now and then.

Overall rating: I would buy ALUSA FALLAX' album first before this, however, this is a fresh and highly regarded release, standing in contrast to many of the other bands from the same time in sound (and spirit).