Record Reviews

DFA ~ 4TH MOONJUNE 021 (Barcode: 692287902124) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 4th and long awaited (for 8 whole years) album by the great Italian Prog group DFAFind albums by this artist (Duty Free Area), which was definitely worth waiting for. DFA are a quartet with Silvio MinellaFind albums by this artist on guitars, Alberto BonomiFind albums by this artist on keyboards and flute, Luca BaldassariFind albums by this artist on bass and Alberto De GrandisFind albums by this artist on drums and the fact that they all hold regular day jobs to make a living perhaps explains why they take a while to make a new album. Musically the album takes on exactly where the last one left us, continuing the beautifully melodic Symphonic Prog tradition, but with an up to date sound and orchestration. Some string arrangements and a vocal trio (called AndhiraFind albums by this artist) are added to expand the scope and depth of the music and the extended compositions are even more ambitious that before. After hearing the album just once, it´s obvious that this is some of the most rewarding Prog I´ve heard in a long time and it gets an immediate masterpiece status. The instrumental work is really quite amazing, both on the up-tempo tunes and the slow ballads, with prolonged improvisations by the guitarist and keyboardist. The flute is less dominant that on the two earlier albums, but obviously the more powerful sound present on this album calls for a change in that department. Three of the six tracks run well over 10 minutes, one epic track nearing the 20 minutes mark. I can hardly imagine a more rewarding album coming out these days from any Prog group, and therefore this is definitely a must in all matters considered Prog and for me the 2008 album of the year for that genre. Don´t even hesitate for a moment!

Updated: 28/05/2021Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DFA ~ KALEIDOSCOPE MOONJUNE 010 (Barcode: 692287901028) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1995 - 1999 Released: 2007 Long awaited reissue of the first 2 albums by the great Italian Prog group DFAFind albums by this artist (Duty Free Area) – "Lavori In CorsoFind albums with this title" from 1995 and "Duty Free AreaFind albums with this title" from 1999, now remastered and with bonus tracks. DFA´s appearance at the 2000 Nearfest festival (as captured on the "Work In ProgressFind albums with this title" album) brought the group the much deserved international recognition, but fans had to wait for another 8 years for their new album entitled simply "4thFind albums with this title". DFA are a quartet with Silvio MinellaFind albums by this artist on guitars, Alberto BonomiFind albums by this artist on keyboards and flute, Luca BaldassariFind albums by this artist on bass and Alberto De GrandisFind albums by this artist on drums and the fact that they all hold regular day jobs to make a living perhaps explains why they take a while to make a new album. Nevertheless they are great musicians and DFA is definitely one of the great discoveries of the 1990s Prog revival. These two albums are among the best to come out in the 1990s, continuing the classic 1970s Prog as if nothing happened in between. Highly melodic, with beautiful tunes and great instrumental performances, this is Symphonic Prog heaven; something every devoted Prog fan will love to play repeatedly. The bonus tracks were recorded live in 2003 and are re-workings of the original tracks appearing on the debut album. The second album features two guest vocalists, one of which is no other than Alberto PirasFind albums by this artist of Deus Ex MachinaFind albums by this artist fame. All together this is a highly recommended package, including some of the best Prog music created in the 1990s and an indispensible piece of Prog history.

Updated: 28/05/2021Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

DFA ~ LAVORI IN CORSO MELLOW 392 ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock 1st abum from 1997 by this brilliant Italian Prog outfit, which together with Finisterre are the two best things to happen to Italian Prog in the 90s. Less symphonic and more jazz influenced then other Italian groups, DFA members are great instrumentalists and talented composers. Much of the music is improvised and swings gracefully, in a Fusionesque way.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	DFA ~ WORK IN PROGRESS MOONJUNE 003 ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 3rd album by the outstanding Italian band DFAFind albums by this artist, full of complex arrangements and virtuoso playing. Recorded live at Nearfest in 2000, it includes some material from their first 2 albums and lots of new tunes. Surely one of the best bands on the scene today.
Updated: 28/05/2021Posted:	CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend