Apologies for my lateness, but here are my comments:
1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
It is immediately clear why Alphataurus is regarded as a 'lost classic'. On the one hand, there does not appear to be an English language version of the album and they did little to capitalise on the artistic success of this album. On the other hand, this is an exercise in economy of style and combines its influences (Genesis, ELP) with something that is uniquely Alphataurus.
2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
Subtle and effective, but I am alienated by the vocals as I do not speak Italian. For some reason, not understanding the language/lyrics makes the vocals difficult for me to evaluate properly. The vocals are by no means bad. I have looked up the lyrics on song websites and they are reassuringly deep and meaningless.
3. What did you think of the later tracks?
There is a stylistic thread running throughout the album. On a limited mp3 player (as I used) the tracks sound like one continuous piece of music. They are influenced by the usual suspects, such as Genesis and ELP, but are not a Genesis or ELP copy.
4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
He is clear and in tune, but difficult to appreciate for an English-only listener.
5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
The music is excellent, while the vocals are tolerable - being in (to me) another language.
6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
It definitely stands repeated playing. I have not heard the album for a while, but it has lost none of its tasteful qualities over the years.
7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
I understand they are appropriate cosmic nonsense, just as as I like them.
8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
This is the band's strength as they use a cranked-up acoustic guitar as a lead instrument, a bit like like Genesis or even Michael Schenker's (much later) experimental period. They also use what sounds like a harpsichord, but could be a 12-string acoustic guitar. In other places there are keyboards reminiscent of Wakeman and Emerson. Less is more and the drummer is a paragon of restraint.
9. What did you think of the production?
Clear and high-quality.
10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
I do not remember Alphaturus from the seventies. I came across them in a thread or review on PE a few years ago. They appear to be a bit like Captain Beyond in producing one great album and then vanishing.
11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
It may seem glib, but Italian progressive rock. England has dominated progressive rock, but the Italians occasionally came close with PFM, Banco and others. Perhaps it is their heritage in opera that gives them an indefineable something.
12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
More. I keep hearing new things in the album.
13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
I do not think I have a favourite.
14. And the one you liked least?
Likewise. Everything is good.
15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (Note: if the album is or was NOT a debut, ignore this question or put "n/a")
Some bands hit the ground running with their first album and Alphataurus are a case in point. It is a pity that they did not record more material.
16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
I would be interested to hear the remaining albums.
17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
The instrumentation is very cohesive. I am not sure about the lyrics.
18. Did the album end well?
It does end quite abruptly.
19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
I have tried to track down an English language version of the album and I am fairly sure it does not exist. It's a minor point, but would be helpful to an Anglocentric like myself.
20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
Cohesive is the operative word. This is all hit and no miss. A final word should go to the album cover design, which is very distinctive and makes the album difficult to forget.
Overall Album Rating: 8 out of 10 (probably 8.5 or 9.0 if it was in English).
|