Odder Than 3: Odder Than 3

Italy is becoming quite renowned for its young progressive scene, however whilst most of the bands that belong to its movement would fall into the prog metal bag, Rome's Odder Than 3 are a far more melancholy, straight ahead progressive rock band that contain elements of later day Marillion or Porcupine Tree whilst adding a slightly edgy alternative side to some of their guitar work and vocals.

"Promo1" is the band's debut EP and whilst musically they are quite adept the five tracks never really get going and in truth as with so many of the newer prog bands coming through at the moment, atmosphere and drama are confused with dreariness and depression. Opening track "La Dance" is the exception to this rule with it's screaming intro and Emilio Zucca's aggressive almost Justin Sullivan of New Model Army like vocal attack creating a sharp focal point. It does however take far too long to get into it's stride and just as things become interesting the song is finished.

Unfortunately Odder Than 3 never manage to recapture that vibrancy through the rest of their songs and while "Italian Style" and "Syncrony" show the ability to build some interesting soundscapes, there's no pay off in either track and what started off as intricate ideas fritter away into meandering unmemorable mumblings. Contrasting the opening track Zucco's singing becomes a weak link in the slower passages and without that spitting attitude his voice is fragile and brittle.

Commendable that even in their first release Odder Than 3 attempt to vary their style and feel, closing track "Su Pieeu" which features just piano and vocals really lacks much merit and the EP would have been better without it's inclusion.

Zucca, bassist Luigi Piscopo and drummer and piano player Robert Brunelli are all fine musicians, however there are moments on this CD that really don't do them justice. It's a disappointing start for Odder Than 3, however if they concentrate their efforts on the more compelling upbeat style of "La Dance" then all may not be lost.

Track Listing
1. La Dance
2. About The Being
3. Italian Style
4. Syncrony
5. Su Pieeu

Added: November 23rd 2009
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band's MySpace Page
Hits: 1949
Language: english

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