Lilith is the sophomore release from this Italian band. Sounding like a blend of Clutching at Straws era Marillion and a jazzier Karnataka, Contrappunto perform an easy listening symphonic rock to accompany a glass or three of red wine.
The CD gets underway with "Moon", a nearly nine minute piece containing beautiful, slightly accented English language vocals courtesy of Sara Arrigone. The first four quiet minutes give way to a gently building instrumental section with a Steve Hackett/Steve Rothery inspired guitar solo before returning to the main vocal theme. "Far From Here" is a bluesy, languorous song that has a neat cocktail jazz interlude. "New Day" is definitely one of my favorite tracks, again with a jazzy feel-good arrangement and excellent vocal melodies. "Don't Wake Me Up" is a seven minute song, very much in the vein of Marillion during Clutching at Straws or perhaps Seasons' End. "Dive In Yourself" closes the disc out in fine form, a thirteen minute piece where the Karnataka comparisons are the most evident. Walls of bombastic keyboards, soaring Hackett-ish guitars and lovely vocals. There are some really good instrumental passages here too.
There's a wealth of very solid material here. My only complaint is that Contrappunto sound like they are still searching for an identity. At times, the songs play out a bit longer than they should, and the Marillionisms can be slightly overdone. Still, the band is very talented and mention must be made to Andrea Cavallo, who plays marvelous piano. Personally, I would love to see Contrappunto further their jazz inclinations as there are countless other less talented bands playing in a similar neo-progressive style. This band definitely have the chops and the singer to take them all the way.
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
