Distillerie di Malto, Italy

Website
Samples

Distillerie di Malto - Il Manuale dei Piccoli Discorsi. 2001 private (CD-R)
Distillerie di Malto - Suono! 2013 Musea (France)

About a dozen years ago, Distillerie di Malto released a fine classic Italian progressive album, and then disappeared without a trace. Unfortunately it was only a CD-R, and as such I never purchased it (though a friend had a copy so that's how I heard it) - and I'm still awaiting a factory pressed CD.

But the good news is Distillerie di Malto is back! And on Musea no less - a label that seems to have forgotten their past, and have amongst their midst a stable of mainly modern neo, alt-progressive, or prog metal acts. Distillerie di Malto is anything but - and once again have adorned us with a retro Italian progressive rock classic similar to their 2001 effort. As we look back on 2013, "Suono!" represents the final bookend for this most incredible year when talking Italian progressive rock.

There are a few distinct individual qualities that makes "Suono!" so special. 1) The stunning vocals (sung in Italian) from Fabrizio Pellicciaro; 2) The keyboards of Fabiano Cudazzo who, in addition to the usual flight of analog gear such as organ and Moog, makes great use of the good old-fashioned piano, just as his forefathers did 40 years ago; 3) the fine guitar accompaniment of Marco Angelone. He doesn't feel the need to dominate nor bludgeon the listener with metal tones. Everything is placed properly and the guitar (both acoustic and electric) is played in a soulful manner; And finally 4) the excellent flute work from Luca Latini. On the latter point, unfortunately Latini only adorns the first 3 tracks. Just at the point the flute is dropped, Cudazzo's keyboards emerge as the predominant instrument. Every song is of a high quality and, despite the constantly changing moods and tones, the consistency is astounding.

Distillerie di Malto have truly captured the spirit of the early 1970's Italian movement. The music is chock full of complex songwriting and counterpoint juxtaposed against beautiful melodies and impassioned singing. The type of music that keeps you guessing all the way through, but isn't exhausting in its attempt to impress. I found "Suono!" to be one of the best of all the 2013 Italian albums, which is quite an achievement given the competition.