One look at the cover art of some deranged hens invading a piazza is a good indication of what lies in store here. Another release from Altrock productions that will appeal strictly to the committed avant garde crowd, Uova Fatali is the second album from Yugen, a collective who originated in Italy, have a Japanese name and include members from the USA, Switzerland and Israel. Together with Marcello Marinone, Francesco Zago, former guitarist of the early Genesis inspired The Night Watch is one of the bands co-founders but this time around they concentrate solely on the instrumental compositions of another member,Tommaso Leddi.
An eclectic mix of chamber / RIO / symphonic and progressive rock, Yugen augment the guitars, bass and drums with sax, lute, mandolin, violin and woodwind to deliver a sound that twists and turns via freeform passages that become weaving melodies and from folk tinged subtleties to furious orchestral madness and beyond. Despite this flexible approach Yugen show that they know how to structure a beginning, middle and end to a piece with the eight minute 'Colonia' that creates a delicate texture around an inventive arrangement. This is followed by the mesmerising rhythms of 'Mattarello', although at little more than two minutes it is over before it really gets going. Divided into five movements the title track is where it all really gels as the musicians bring the themes together that makes for an exhilarating experience. Elsewhere the listeners patience will be severely tested and this lack of consistency and inaccessibility proves disappointing.
Track Listing
1. Escher 3:50
2. Abisso 2:11
3. Campo 3:29
4. Colonia 8:17
5. Mattarello 2:33
6. Piani 5:50
7. Sviluppi 4:47
8. Uova fatali
A. Taranta 2:18
B. Covata 3:11
C. Pulaster 1:51
D.Schiusa 1:04
E. Sciamatura 2:29
9. Complicazioni 6:11
10. (Hidden Track) 0:22
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