I Califfi - "Fiore de Metallo" (1973)

This album was (to my knowledge) the only one this group made. Its a not-so-typical italian progressive rockalbum. This is mainly due to the fact that the themes and melodies here tend to be built up the 'verse, verse, refrain, verse', including vocals. Also, the tracks have a much more defined 70's rocksound with 'catchy' melodies. There are some nice keyboardplaying, mainly the moog is sounding good. But the complexity of the majority of the tracks are not too evident.
"Nei Mio Passato", is a nice introducing track with just the afforemnetioned qualities. "Fiore Finto. Fiore di Metallo", the "title track", is a short but good and 'catchy' tune. Fast and energetic. "Alleluia Gente" is a soft ballad, acoustic intro and very warm and good.
"Varius" has a very classical intro on the mighty churchorgan. Its the first instrumental track on the album. Surely one of the best tracks of the album, echoing bands like ELP or Le Orme. "Felicità, sorriso e pianto" is another gorgeous and haunting ballad.
"A peidei scalzi" is a heavier track, sounding like early Nuova Idea, great riffs, upbeat. "Madre, Domani..." has again a soft theme that seems reminiscent of other tracks on the album. Is this a concept album maybe? Anyway, this is again one of the better tracks. Very warm and 'catchy' melodies, nice little instrumental breaks here and there.
"Col vento nei capelli" is to my ears one of the weaker tracks here. The songstructure with its verse/refrain and the light 60's-beat inspired melodies is becoming a bit pale and boring. "Campane" is an instrumental track that ends this album, again bands like Le Orme comes to mind, hearing it.

The verdict is that this IS in fact what I consider to be a very good album, and its essential. Becuase it can serve as a contrast in your albumcollection as a lighter alternative when you dont want all your italian prog to be as complex as Locanda delle Fate or Banco. This is a very good album, not too complex or symphonic but very solid 70's progrock with both mellow and 'rocking' tendencies. All the tracks are very short here, the three longest all being 5'10''.