RanestRune: A Space Odyssey, part one- Monolith

This new disc is based on 2001: A Space Odyssey and is the first of a proposed 3-volume set expanding on the themes and scenes of the movie. The music is meant to be played at the same time that the movie is being projected onto a large screen. I have attended classical concerts doing the same thing to classic movies. This Italian band combines the members of Il Rovescio Della Medaglia with Enzo Vita, and is supplemented with the addition of Marillion members Steve Hogarth and Steven Rothery.

It's a beautiful record. The Pink Floyd influence is quite strong, as is the Marillion one, to be expected given the guest musicians. But there is more going on here; for example, I can pick up the influence of le Orme in some of the work, and there are folkish elements that crop up here and again, such as the accordion that occurs during "Stazione Orbitante Uno." While the general sound is atmospheric and floaty, and definitely proggish, there are points where it becomes far heavier and deeper. "Semi," the 18-minute song that opens the disc, begins with a Yessian flourish before moving into Floydian territory and a heavy emphasis on David Gilmour guitarisms. Now, I know I am citing all sorts of influence here, but the musicians wear those influences proudly. "Semi" moves seamlessly from slower sections into heavier and faster sections and is a compelling opening for the record. "Fluttero" is pure atmosphere, and gorgeous to boot. In all the songs, vocal clips from the movie are interspersed with the music, which plays over the voices. "Clavius" is almost completely sung under vocals from the movie. The final song, "Il Monolito di Tycho" is the most prog metal of all the songs.

At this point, we are only a third into the movie, so the next two discs will continue the tale. I hope they are as good as this one.

Track Listings

1. Semi
2. Fluttero
3. Stazione Orbitante Uno
4. Materna Luna
5. Clavius
6. Il Monolito di Tycho

Added: December 4th 2013
Reviewer: Dana Lawrence
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1902
Language: english

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