Giorgio N. Neri is a talented 44 year old multi-instrumentalist from Genoa Italy who has spent a great part of his life involved in all aspects of the music business from composition, arrangement, production, teaching, and even working as a light and sound technician in theater. He was a founding member of the progressive groups AGARTHI and PANGEA and has composed 15 soundtracks.
Among his many influences Giorgio lists LED ZEPLIN, YES, GONG, MIKE OLDFIELD, KLAUS SCHULZE, LE ORME, OSANNA, GENESIS, OZRIC TENTACLES, CLUSTER, INCREDIBLE STRING BAND as well as classic composers BACH and VIVALDI.
Echoes of all these artists can be heard in his 2008 release “LOGOS”, most notably OZRIC TENTACLES, but the bands that really come to mind when listening to the music on the album are the German band ELOY and original space rockers HAWKWIND.
A majority of the tunes are improvisational instrumental jam sessions and fit comfortably in the space rock genre but the tightly constructed superb vocal track “Tuona Il Cannone” is reminiscent of the early work of PFM. Giuseppe Alvaro provides the vocals. It's easily the best track on the album.
Vittorio Ristango’s narration adds a sense of foreboding to the creepy tune “Seconda Navigazione”. Unfortunately since it’s all in Italian I have no idea what’s being said. This particular song reminded me of the French group HALLOWEEN.
Also appearing on the album with Giorgio is percussionist Roberto Maragliano and Gian Castello on flute.
Stand out tracks include the 9:17 epic “L’Ultima Danza”, “Tuona Il Cannone”, and the final apocalyptic instrumental “Sipario”.
Recommended for prog/rock aficionados with an affinity for cosmic space rock.
8 out of 10 rating.
Reviewed by Joseph Shingler on September 9th, 2009
