Premiata Fornieria Marconi (or PFM for short) are basically a progressive rock band (BIG SHOCK), although from Italy, for a change of culture. There is a definite difference notable between the standard English/European prog rock and the stuff that came out of Italy in the 70's - the bands from Italy had a much more medieval, or folky sound to them, and perhaps even sounded more organic than most other stuff out there, in my opinion.
PFM in particular released three great albums in the early 70's, before they adopted an English speaking singer, and started on the road down to pop in the 80's. That stuff is not quite my cup of tea, but their early albums are nothing short of amazing.
Per un Amico was their second effort, and it's considered to be their breakthrough album that gained them international recognition. I'm aware that many people actually believe their first album is their best - however, the inclusion of their best song on Per un Amico is the decider for me, personally.
So, a quick breakdown of the tracks:
1. Appena Un Po' - their best song, and the perfect opener. Shall go a bit more indepth later.
2. Generale! - a tad more avante garde, in their choice of riffs and simply tone. At points it also has some notable military-like drumwork, which is what I always think of when I think of this song. Very sporadic, especially for PFM.
3. Per Un Amico - starts off very mellow and soft, similarly to Appena Un Po'. It stays within this mood throughout for the most part, until the distortion comes in the latter half of the song.
4. Il Banchetto - very accessible beginning, despite the length and time yet to come. Probably best described as a pastoral sound, and reminds me of Harmonium heavily. Around a third into the song, however, the synths start to come in, and then sporadic sections ensue - one of which notably includes some very classical sounding piano.
5. Geranio - feels very dreamy at the start, rhythmically, and the instrumentation thankfully allows room for this mood to breath. Again, though, the remainder of the song for the most part is a rather complex structure, although a tad more subdued than Il Blanchetto or Generale!.
Now then, Appena Un Po'. Brilliant song, brilliant song.
A surreal soundscape fades in to start the song off, and then we are introduced to... some lovely Spanish guitar-work. This is slowly supplemented by more and more instruments over time, until we get to around the two minute mark. Tension is building, and building...
BOOM, and we get an amazing climax that sounds awesomely medieval - a real eclectic mix of instruments are interplaying throughout this section. An eargasm for those who are inclined. :P
Suddenly, we are back to nice soft music, almost like a ballad. The music starts building to a crescendo, and one can tell that this is going to be the chorus...
Even though this is far less intense than the opening climax, it still surpasses it. The incredibly simple, yet beautiful synth lead sends shivers down my spine, not unlike a certain song in my last review (from a long time ago, I admit. :P) The mellotron backing just makes this that much more perfect.
We then get another medieval section - I say medieval because of the tone and texture - once/if you listen, you'll understand what I mean.
The rest of the song is a somewhat standard structure - after that riff, there's another verse, and then a reprise of the chorus.
However, one quick thing of note - the outro of this song is the BEST. The manic speed and crazyness in all the instruments fighting to be heard is far more controlled than I make it sound, but god, it's just something to be heard.
So, as you can guess, I'm heavily recommending that you give Appena Un Po' a go. If you enjoy that, definitely give the rest of the album a go.
Overall album score: 8.4/10
Personnel:
Franco Mussida – Vocals, 12 String guitar, Theorbo, Mandocello, Guitar
Franz Di Cioccio – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Mauro Pagani – Flute, Piccolo, Violin, Vocals
Giorgio Piazza – Bass, Vocals
Flavio Premoli – Spinet, Keyboards, Hammond organ, Moog, Mellotron, Tubular bells, Harpsichord, Piano, Vocals
Track listing:
1. "Appena un po'" - 7:44
2. "Generale!" - 4:18
3. "Per un Amico" - 5:24
4. "Il Banchetto" - 8:39
5. "Geranio" - 8:04
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