Following their well-received debut Destinazioni, Italian progressive rock outfit Melting Clock return with Altrove, the performances from Sandro Amadei (keyboards), Stefano Amadei (guitars, Irish bouzouki), Alessandro Bosca (bass), Simone Caffè (guitars) and Francesco Fiorito (drums) show a more cohesive and mature effort that builds on their strengths while refining their sonic identity. The amazing vocals of Emanuela Vedana anchor the musical flights while allowing them to soar. The band remains rooted in the classic Italian Prog tradition, but this time the arrangements feel more unified, the compositions more deliberate, and the emotional arc more pronounced. The album opens with Vernice, a track that immediately sets the tone with its Mediterranean textures and modal harmonies. The bouzouki adds a folk-inflected edge, while the lyrics reflect on urban memory through the metaphor of graffiti. It's a strong opener—melodic, atmospheric, and rhythmically engaging. The two-part title track Altrove Parte 1 & 2 serves as the emotional centerpiece. Part 1 is a gentle acoustic piece built around guitar and piano, while Part 2 expands into a lush instrumental section with orchestral layers and a tasteful electric guitar solo. The transition between the two is seamless, and the suite showcases the band's ability to balance intimacy with grandeur. Il Mondo Al Suo Risveglio is one of the album's highlights. The fretless bass adds warmth and fluidity, and the track's shifting time signatures are handled with finesse. The vocal delivery by Vedana is particularly strong here, conveying a sense of awakening both lyrically and musically. Città Spenta leans into darker territory, with a slow build and a brooding atmosphere. The orchestration is restrained but effective, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to come through. It's a track that rewards repeated listens. Tramonti Di Cenere is perhaps the most emotionally resonant piece on the album. The arrangement is subtle, with strings and synths creating a melancholic backdrop for lyrics that explore themes of fading light and unresolved endings. The album closes with the suite Endurance. Each movement—from icy isolation to the hopeful resolution is musically distinct yet thematically unified. The suite is ambitious, but the band handles the transitions well, and the narrative arc is clear and compelling. Production-wise, Altrove is clean and detailed. Melting Clock have delivered a strong second album that builds on their debut while refining their artistic voice. Altrove is introspective, well-crafted, and emotionally engaging. **** David Carswell Where to buy? |
