Odessa - Stazione Getsemani XXV - 2024
“... the remake of their debut album ...”
intro
The Italian Odessa is considered to be part of the second wave of Italian progressive rock bands. Their debut album 'Stazioni Getsemani' which was originally released in 1999 on the Mellow Records label has now been re-recorded with the current line-up of the band. It has become a full-fledged remake. progVisions received this album from our Italian friend Marina Montobbio, known for her promotion of Italian prog bands, who was also responsible for the financial part to realize this remake.
line-up
Lorenzo Giovagnoli - vocals, keyboards; Giulio Vampa - guitars, backing vocals; Valerio De Angelis - bass, backing vocals; Marco Fabbri - drums, backing vocals; Gianluca Milanese - flute
review
The album opens with the uptempo track 'Esilio' (5:24). You can hear right away that Odessa's music is not only RPI (Rock Progressivo Italiano) but that it has more influences from Rock and Blues. Just listen to the fine Hammond organ parts and the tearing guitars. In contrast, there is a beautiful flute part. The band continues with the song 'Di Buio E Luce' (5:59), a song that clearly has two faces. The first part is beautiful with nice melodic guitar and keyboard work. But the band combines this with more rocky parts with passionate vocals. The somewhat shorter 'Alzo Un Muro Elettricco' (2:57) also has such a rock and blues vibe. Just when I think that all this uptempo music does not continue to captivate, the band throws in a jazzy piano and melodic flute. With the title track 'Stazione Getsemani" (5:26) the band takes a step back and we can enjoy the beautiful melodies and wonderful piano and synth playing again. The Hammond organ in the music of Odessa reminds me of Deep Purple every now and then. At the end you can enjoy a nice guitar solo. 'Lotta Per Il Dominio' (4:18) opens with melodic flute playing and beautiful bass playing accompanied by delicate Mellotron strings. But soon the tempo increases again and we get a driving section with that aforementioned Hammond organ. After a change of rhythm we get a somewhat hectic electric guitar part before the Hammond organ and a synth return. The flute gives an extra dimension to the music. To be honest, your reviewer is ready for a moment of rest in the music, but the band continues full throttle with 'Caronte' (3:33). The music is often keyboard-dominated, with the Hammond organ playing an important role in particular. The heavy and uptempo guitar parts also play a major role. For me personally, there could have been a few more synth solos and flute work.
Then it's time for the epic of the album, 'L 'Incontro (Stratosfera, L'Angelo)' (10:35) has a beautiful and cinematic opening with wordless chant, intriguing flute playing and delicate keyboard work. Together with the vocals the music now becomes a bit more powerful and an extensive melodic guitar solo follows, but the piano is always present. After the guitar solo we are now presented with a synth solo. Then it is the turn of a jazzy piano. A varied number where all musicians put their best foot forward. Listening to this long track I had to think of the music of Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso at a certain moment (probably because of the piano work). The title track is one of the highlights of this album. In 'La Sfera" (5:25) where you can expect beautiful piano playing again, I notice that the singer sings a lot with a falsetto and I can imagine that this is not the preference of every prog fan. Musically, the band goes full throttle again with heavy guitar and Hammond organ parts. The track has an experimental ending. 'Interludio' (1:45) is a surprising short track where the band members' voices take center stage. The album ends with a personal favorite of your reviewer. 'Orizzonte Anima' (5:27) opens with a wonderful synth part and classical piano playing. The vocals that are mainly accompanied by the piano are very tasteful. The next part with a beautiful synth part reminds me a bit of the old work of Camel. Then follows another guitar part. The synth and guitar alternate and with the driving rhythm of the rhythm section the bass part is clearly audible. A nice ending to this album.
conclusion
Your reviewer must honestly admit that I have not heard the original album, so I cannot make any comparisons. For me this album really has its moments, just listen to the songs 'L 'Incontro (Stratosfera, L'Angelo)' and 'Orizzonte Anima'. Personally I am very charmed by the keyboard playing of Lorenzo Giovagnoli. Besides RPI, the music also has clear influences of rock and blues. Personally there could have been a few more resting points on this album and I would not have minded a bit more flute. But those are personal preferences. It has become a good album and I am curious about possible new work from the band.