Overture – A Mezz’aria Sul Tempo | Progressive Rock Central.com

The Italian progressive rock band Overture has returned to release their sophomore album, titled, A Mezz’aria Sul Tempo, on September 5^th, of this year. The album was released by Melodic Revolutions Records. The title translates, (suspended in time), which absolutely explains the upside-down city, pictured on the album cover.

This Sardinia based band, Overture is made up of members, Pier Mauro Marras, on vocals; Fiorella Piras, on flute, bassoon, and vocals; Samuele Desogus, on electric, classical and acoustic guitar; Simone Meli, on keyboards and vocals; Stefano Sanna, on electric bass, fretless bass, synth bass, and double bass; and Simone Desogus, on drums, percussion, and vocals. They have also invited special guest, Serena Porcu, who adds her voice to the opening track, “Agapan.” Overture was born from the ashes of the Sons of the Rascals in January 2010.

Overture’s music brings back the sound of classical prog heard regularly in the UK and Italy. It is considered part of the Rock Progressivo Italiano genre of progressive rock. Their sound brings back so many memories of how music was made and delivered when I was growing up. Real, flutes, strings, Mellotron, organs, and analog like recording. It is so wonderful to hear again.

“Agapan,” gets things off to a start with whispered conversation and soft flute, strings, and piano. This is a spirited, over 3-minute instrumental, which provides a delicious appetizer for the banquet to come. The track includes flute, acoustic guitar, bass, piano, Mellotron, organ, and electric guitar. The perfect way to re-introduce your band after a period of time, being away from recording.

“Coscienza Cibernetica,” uses synthesizers and electric guitar to open this track. Fortunately, it is followed by flute, bass; and then the electric guitar and heavier drums return. A highly synthesized song, which takes me back to early Genesis, Jethro Tull, and King Crimson. Cybernetic consciousness, is the translation for this song title, and the lyrics are sung, in Italian, by Pier Mauro Marras. Over 7 minutes of time travel, and spacey synths mixed well with classic progressive rock of the ‘70s, taking us back to where progressive rock began. It is wonderful to hear this traditional progressive rock music again. In the middle of the song there is a break, with soft flute, bringing back memories of some of the best bands of that era, like Traffic.

“Bagliori,” is a song about flashes. It opens with well plucked acoustic guitar and beautiful flute notes; with piano accompaniment. Pier Mauro Marras sings quietly in Italian, as the soundscape ambles on down the atmospheric river of sound. There are some great memories locked away in these sounds; that remind me of the power of Wind and Wuthering and Trick of the Tail. The deep bass and flute provide pause and increase the intensity of this song. The electric guitar soloing is also very good.

“Ninna Nanna (A Mezz’aria Sul Tempo),” opens with soft acoustic guitar and Pier Mauro Marras voice, almost whispering. Then, the acoustic guitar begins to take on a Steve Hackett level of acoustic sound, with a melody that almost matches the Genesis’ classic, “Cinema Show.” The bassoon adds some melancholy to the sound. You wish you could hear Peter Gabriel sing, “Home from work, our Juliet clears, her morning meal…” Just to relive the experience.

“Cosa Pensi?” which translates as “What do you think?” opens with soft acoustic guitar and strings, before keyboards join in with Pier Mauro Marras’ singing. The soundscape builds with more instruments, while retaining a calming level of sound. The flute is added with soft drums and Tony Banks’ like keyboards, to give this instrumental a great soundscape.

“Il Re Dei Topi,” is an over 10-minute song dedicated to “The Mouse King.” It is the longest track on the album, and a clear reminder of the sound of the ‘70s. Whether or not this is the holiday Nutcracker Mouse King, I do not know. It opens with an eerie, dark soundscape, full of moody strings and low sounding bass. Then, galloping drums enter the soundscape, as more synth bass and keyboards change the soundscape. Pier Mauro Marras’ singing, picks up pace and volume, with an almost threatening push. The bass and drum assault is one of the best on the album. One of the better tracks on the entire album. Very different and a fully entertaining melody with changes. This track is full of some cool dark rhythms.

“Ali Nere,” or (black wings), is a wonderful instrumental, full of quiet acoustic guitar and Pier Mauro Marras’ singing in Italian. Over 3-minutes of quiet, dinner music with strings and orchestration. Later, an electric guitar solo is added. Simply magical.

“Il Canto Di Nessuno,” or (the song for no one), is an over 9-minute epic closer. It opens with guitar and flute, as the soundscape expands with strings. It is a song filled with melancholy. Pier Mauro Marras’ singing in Italian to a melody that reminds me of the sorrow filled sounds of the quiet moments on the album, In The Court of the Crimson King. Pier Mauro Marras’ voice rises as the electric lead guitar begins a solo. There is a female vocal crying out that reminds me a little of parts of the Lord of the Rings’ soundtrack. The flute re-enters the soundscape like a bird fluttering and flying all over the soundscape. Then, a buzzing and full-on electric guitar solo rocks the soundscape, reminding me of Ace Frehley, who just passed away, tonight. A female voice joins Pier Mauro Marras, to sing in unison, as a spacey vocal incantation closes the album.

Overture’s A Mezz’aria Sul Tempo, is a great introduction to the Rock Progressivo Italiano genre of progressive rock; for those of you who have not experienced it before. It is also a great journey to take if you are new to progressive rock, so you will be able to hear and recognize the quality and non-mechanical, human side of a musical performance. With this music you can tell, there is no AI or little use of machines to make music. These are real humans playing real flutes, guitars, strings, and drums. The analog sound of this production is also unique, now that so much music is being digitally produced. This trip back in time is well worth the effort to produce, and your time to listen, and/or buy. But this is not background music. This is music that needs to be appreciated and given your full attention. It is music being made to be listened to with headphones and no distractions. This type of music has been developed over decades and years of perfecting and should be treated with respect. Yes, please buy or listen to Overture’s A Mezz’aria Sul Tempo, and learn to appreciate the quality of music produced in Italy, following the traditional methods of maestros from the past. The biggest surprise was that this music is being made by musicians from a younger generation, who appreciate these sounds of the past. Most of the pictured band members are in their 20s or 30s. That is a great sign for the Rock Progressivo Italiano genre of music, because it means this quality of music will live on!

The cover art for the album, was designed and completed by Mauro Mondiello.