I've noticed there tends to be two kinds of Eclectic prog bands. In one category bands incorporate a vast multitude of influences into one distinct sound, such as groups like Van der Graaf Generator or Gentile Giant. The other kind of group are those who take a huge variety of influences and then incorporate them individually in different parts of their music, such as King Crimson, Beardfish, and this young Italian act Profusion. While in reality Profusion has been around for 10 years, their second album "Rewotower" is only their second, which comes after their six-year studio silence from 2006's "One Piece Puzzle." And indeed "Rewotower" contains that multifarious mix of musical influences, ranging from a very Gentle Giant-esque quirk prog sentiment to a near-Dream Theaterian progressive metal quality. Across the 12 tracks of the album, like I've said, Profusion truly displays the breadth of their musical prowess. There's no secret that the quintet is incredibly skilled at each of their instruments, and none of them are afraid to show it across the album. Each track is a treat of proggy delicacies of guitar and keyboard solo trading, multi-part vocal harmonies, complex times and polyrhythmic drum parts and so much more. Obviously the guys have done their music theory homework, and they quite effortlessly can put all the skill that they have not only on their instruments but also in their pens into effect.
However, I felt like there was a certain aspect of the album that was missing. I considered branding the title of the album "Retrotower," poking fun at its obvious retro-prog (oxymoronic, I know) influences, but I realized that that's not really what it was. These guys have a huge modern prog influence, which also seemed to make them have that vicarious retro feel while at the same time keeping the clean, modern and accessible sound to them. In a way, there was so much Moon Safari and Neal Morse and all that great stuff in there that the music almost started to feel retro in weird, twisted way.
While the music is obviously ripe with the modern stuff, the one thing that really got to me through the entire album, and truly it was the only thing that got to me, was how dry the music seemed to get after 50-something minutes of energetic and complex prog music. While the compositions are fantastic and the musicianship is just supreme, after so many style shifts and influence "shout outs," it all seems to blend into a single blur of prog music.
Overall however, I really only have good things to say about the album. While the guys could work on a bit of a more signature sound, the album is incredibly well produced, put together, composed, played, and just about everything that can be done "well" on an album. The huge variety of styles put into the album added a nice dynamic, and the guys successfully pulled every style off, which, in many cases with other bands who try the same thing, doesn't go very well. In the end "Rewotower" was an enjoyable experience, and Profusion are a group I'd certainly like to visit again. 3+ stars.
Andy Webb | 3/5 |
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