PFM

The Manticore Albums 1973-1977 eSoTeriC English-language Italian prog rockers’ four for ELP’s label.

Named in full Premiata Forneria Marconi, PFM were among the first Italian prog rock groups to enjoy international success, on the strength of their skills and their deft incorporation of Italian musical cadences into the prog mix. Their biggest hit was Celebration (from 1973’s Photos Of Ghosts), a grandiose progstomper complete with synth flourishes which pre-reminds of ELP’s Fanfare For The Common Man. They recorded three further albums for Manticore: The World Became The World (1974), Chocolate Kings (1975) and Jet Lag (1977), the latter a jazzier record which suffered diminishing commercial returns.

Assisted by lyricist Pete Sinfield, who also worked with King Crimson, PFM’s world is one of harlequins and jesters and pastoral fantasias. They are capable of passages of genuine, glistening pastoral beauty, and quasi-classical touches such as the intro to The Mountain (from The World Became The World), although as was mandatory at the time they are obliged to up the pace with audience-pleasing breakneck guitar/keyboard tussles. No matter, since this reissue package is most likely to be taken up by fans from back in the day.

This collection stands as a monument to a kind of music that once was and never shall be again.