DE DE LIND
Lo Non So Da Dove Vengo E Non So Dove Mai Andrò. Uomo È Il Nome Che Mi Han Dato, Mercury Records, Italy, 1972. £750.
Italian band De De Lind started out as a beat band in the late 60s, and released a string of singles before this progressive monster of an album in 1972. It has one of the longest album titles in the history of prog (translated into English it reads: ‘I don’t know where I’m coming from and I don’t know where I will go to. Man is the name I was given’) and is considered by many aficionados of the Italian scene to be a masterpiece. The musicianship and atmosphere on display are pure class. Dark and aggressive heavy sections are interspersed with melodic folk subtleties and dramatic intentions.
Fuga E More starts with pounding kettle drums, creating moody soundtrack vibes before being struck by doomy chords, topped off by dramatic vocals. Indietro Nel Tempo cleverly introduces a recurring melody which makes the whole album more engaging. Lead guitarist Matteo Vitolli tastefully trades solos with sax and flute, before a haunting harpsichord takes us into the deeper acoustic strains of Paura Del Niente. Midway through, the track builds up into a crescendo of manic paced panned drumming and wild soloing, before dropping back down into a sparse flute solo. Side two continues along the same atmospheric terrain, with the heavier parts sounding even heavier.
This album is definitely a deep listen, and one that needs to be heard without distraction to be fully appreciated, which may be a test of patience for some but sheer joy for others.
‘The musicianship and atmosphere on display are pure class.’