Tale Cue – Eclipse of the Midnight Sun | Progressive Rock Central.com

Italian progressive rock band, Tale Cue, have released their new album, Eclipse of the Midnight Sun, on November 16th, of this year.

Tale Cue is made up of members: Silvio Masanotti, on guitars and bass; Laura Basla, on vocals; Giovanni Porpora, on keyboards; and Alessio Cobau, on drums.

The Italian neo-progressive band Tale Cue was originally formed back in 1988. At that time vocalist Laura Basla, guitarist Silvio Masanotti and keyboardist Giovanni Porpora were playing together in a cover band but decided to form Tale Cue to create their own music.

This union resulted in the release of two albums; Four Tales in 1989, and Voices Beyond My Curtains in 1992; before disbanding. After their departure in 1992, Tale Cue left behind unfinished expressions and unspoken emotions that lingered through the years. They have reformed and added members, to present Eclipse of the Midnight Sun, in hopes of continuing on, well into the future.

Eclipse of the Midnight Sun opens with an interesting, marvelous, and instrumental “Overture – Voices from the Past.” Drums, lead electric guitar, orchestration, bass, and keyboards light the way back for this band to the stage and the building soundscape.

Then, it is time for Laura Basla’s first vocals on the album, for the song, “The Rage and the Innocence,” Her soft voice is a wonderful welcome to the sound of Tale Cue. This song is full of traditional progressive rock sounds and feelings. The subject of the music relates to our inner battles, which we all struggle with daily. The lead guitar and keyboards remind me of Phil Collins Era Genesis. Then, suddenly Laura Basla drops the soft vocals, and the soundscape erupts into a powerful instrumental and vocal explosion. Laura’s voice rises as the intensity of the tale and soundscape music amplifies.

“For Gold and Stones,” is a tale about dreams and illusions; and as such, it opens with exhilarating and inspired soft piano and Laura Basla’s warm vocals. One of the best and most engaging and moving songs on the album. The orchestration and strings in the background lift the musical experience, on this song high. I hear more of that Wind and Wuthering feeling in this song.

“Suntears, “ is a tale about the loneliness of love. Especially if you are still in search of it. It opens with powerful drums and heavier electric guitar. Laura Basla sings straight ahead rock, as compared to the last two songs. She sounds a little like Kim Seviour, of Touchstone, without the exuberance and British accent.

“Gordon Sinclair,” opens with robust lead guitars, bass, and drums. And maybe it should. It may be a referenced story about the life and writings of Canadian adventure and travel journalist Gordon Sinclair. Laura Basla lyrically and vocally delivers a tale about Gordon’s adventurous nature.

“Tides,” opens with soft guitar, piano, keyboards and orchestration, after the ocean waves. It is a tale about the cycles of life we all travel through on our voyage through life. A dreamy vocal delivery from Laura Basla makes this another of the best tracks on the album. Silvio Masanotti’s guitar solo is another album highlight from this song.

“The Cue,” is a tale about chaos and creativity. So, it opens with a surprising electric lead guitar, bass, and drums, with a heavy start. Laura Basla keeps up with the rhythm and pace, and raises her voice higher on this track, than on the rest of the album. The orchestration helps lift the entire soundscape. An almost heavy metal track, breaking the traditional sound that has been laid down on the album, so far.

“Lady M,” is a tale about haunted memories. And as such, it opens with soft strings and haunting acoustic guitar. Laura Basla sings about the importance of time. The acoustic guitar playing took me back to early Genesis and others in the traditional realm of progressive rock. A very uplifting song, musically, despite the nature of the lyrics. The keyboard and synthesizer, as well as the lead electric guitar solos are wonderful!

“We Will Be Back Once More,” is a tale of death and rebirth. It opens with warm piano and Laura Basla singing. Then, those cool, Genesis – like guitar chords sound, as the drums join in. The rhythm and cadence of this song is great, until it breaks into chaos. This sounds more ‘80s Genesis at times. But the piano playing brings back the more traditional sound. A deep song of trial and anxiety. The guitar matched perfectly with piano, provides a warm journey for the listener. The added drums bring home the power of the tale.

“Vertigo,” is a tale of every artist’s personal struggle with art. It is the album closer and the longest track on the album at over 10 minutes. The tale explores the artist’s desire to produce music or art. With the eternal questions, “for who?” And will those you create it for; will they appreciate what is produced? Laura Basla sings some of her best lyrics with emotive feelings. The solid drums, electric guitars, bass, and keyboards rise high as Laura Basla’s voice reaches even higher, to stay above the soundscape.

Tale Cue’s Eclipse of the Midnight Sun is a wonderful collection, or queue, (cue), of tales arranged and performed well by one of my favorite new progressive rock bands from Italy. Every song on this album is well played and recorded. They will take you back to progressive rock’s roots. And as the band says, “Dreams feed the soul… in spite of what it was and what it should have been.”

Eclipse of the Midnight Sun’s Executive Producer is Dutch Music Works. The album was composed by: Silvio Masanotti and Giovanni Porpora. It was recorded by: Silvio Masanotti at Mixdown Studio, Milan; Roberto Centamore at 10db Studio, Milan; and Fabrizio di Tano & Silvia Taglioretti at Percussion Village, Milan. The album was mixed by Fabio Serra. Studio Mixage: Opal Arts Studio, Verona, Italy. All album mastering: Andrea Bernardiudio. Studio mastering: Eleven Mastering, Busto Arsizio, Varese. Artwork: Silvio Masanotti.