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