Il Sogno Di Rubik – Stati Equivoci dell’Essere (M.P. & Records MPRCD101, 2022)
“Stati Equivoci dell’Essere” (Equivocal states of being) is the second album by Italian progressive rock band Il Sogno Di Rubik. On this occasion, the group switched to Italian language vocals, adding the special flavor that characterizes rock progresivo italiano.
The first piece on the album is the title song, ‘Stati Equivoci dell’Essere.’ It begins with finely crafted symphonic rock featuring gorgeous acoustic strings and engaging vocals, backed by bass and drums that recall the wonderful classic bands of the 1970s. Midway, the track moves on to brief fusion and harder rock sections and continues on with majestic Mellotron and louder vocals.
Track 2, ‘Animali Sintropici’ features charismatic vocals, electric organ and a fantastic electric bass solo by British progressive rock legend Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Camel, Hatfield & the North).
‘Frattali e Santi’ (track 3) is a delightful slow tempo song with beautiful acoustic guitar work, soaring violin, and superb vocal work. It builds nicely with energetic guitars and drums.
Track 4 Chanson Balladée (L’Almanacco di Rubik) is quite different. It begins with a folk dance and morphs into progressive rock rooted in folk music with excursions into hard rock.
‘Con le Mani Legate’ (track 5) features skillful, intricate and technical guitar work as well as viola melodies intertwined with the vocals, topped off by an epic guitar solo.
The last track ‘Jerofante’ begins with a mysterious, dreamlike piano and Mellotron circular dance duet that leads into dramatic vocals. Next, you’ll hear nightmarish voices and the guitars grow intensity heading towards heavy metal, with riffing and vocals that get more aggressive. This lengthy piece switches back and forth, from enjoyable symphonic rock to high intensity dark metal-influenced music.
Il Sogno Di Rubik describe Stati Equivoci dell’Essere as a result of a very intimate exploratory journey. The concept of the album is the search for answers on the human condition and its possible evolution, seeking to access new levels of understanding.
Personnel: Cosimo D’Elia on vocals; Francesco Festinante on guitars, bass, Mellotron, synthesizer, drum machine, programming; Richard Sinclair, bass solo on “Animali Sintropici”; Vito Rizzi on synthesizer, Hammond organ, Mellotron on “Animali Sintropici”; Carmine Fanigliulo, violin on “Stati Equivoci dell’Essere” and “Con le mani legate”, viola on “Chanson Balladée”; Vincenzo Vitti, cello on “Stati Equivoci dell’Essere” and “Chanson Balladée”; Mino Inglese, trombone on “Jerofante”; and Roberto Sacco, synthesizer on “Chanson Balladée.”
The album’s artwork was designed by photographic artist Stefano D’elia, who was able to give life to precisely those equivocal states of being so precious and necessary for the birth of new paradigms.