Prog Radio | Album Review | ''Echi di un Futuro Passato'' by Celeste

Album Review

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4.5

Stars

Echi di un Futuro Passato

Celeste

773

Italy

Celeste's seventh studio album, "Echi di un Futuro Passato," marks their fourth release since the reformation in 2019, steering the legacy of the band's Rock Progressivo Italiano (RPI) roots into the present. This album captures the essence of Celeste's identity, blending melodious lines with dramatic musical narratives, reminiscent of the style pioneered by their influences, such as PFM.

The album consists of seven tracks, running a total of 64 minutes. It is largely instrumental, showcasing the band's strength in creating atmospheric and enveloping soundscapes. The occasional vocals by Ciro Perrino add a personal touch, enhancing the nostalgic and ethereal quality of the music. The addition of the captivating Italian singer Inès Aliprandi on a couple of tracks introduces a delightful contrast, her voice intertwining beautifully with the intricate arrangements.

The compositions are crafted with a focus on melody and emotive transitions rather than sheer complexity, which aligns with the band's historical orientation towards what I would term as "smooth RPI."

The compositions are crafted with a focus on melody and emotive transitions rather than sheer complexity, which aligns with the band's historical orientation towards what I would term as "smooth RPI."

Ciro Perrino, the founding member and the heart of Celeste, continues to be the creative force, drawing from his vast experience in the genre. His journey from the early days with Il Sistema to his solo projects and eventual revival of Celeste has been marked by a dedication to progressive music, and always with that distinctive Italian flair.

While Celeste enjoys a dedicated following in Italy and Europe, they remain lesser-known in the United States, which is both unfortunate and something that definitively needs to change. Their sound and Perrino's dedication merit a broader audience, comparable to other RPI heavy hitters like Le Orme and PFM. American audiences, in particular, should become more aware of not only Celeste's contributions to the genre but also Perrino's significant solo endeavors.

The album, "Echi di un Futuro Passato," does not attempt to reinvent the band but rather reinforces their place in the progressive scene by sticking to their roots and delivering what they do best: music that is both evocative and enduring.

For those who have followed Celeste's journey, or for newcomers curious about Italian progressive rock, "Echi di un Futuro Passato" is definitely a worthwhile listen. It reflects a band that has matured well with time, upholding a legacy that began in the 1970s yet is far from being stuck in it. With a current line-up of extremely talented musicians, we hope Ciro has many years to come in delivering more of his “smooth” RPI sound.

You can sample much of Ciro’s work on Bandcamp (link below), where we urge you to explore and then add to your collection the albums and songs that resonate most with you. And of course, tune in to Prog Radio, where we’ll be playing several tracks from this remarkable album. Keep an ear out for more of Ciro’s work, both solo and with Celeste, as they start popping up in our rotation. Don’t miss the album feature on Monday’s "What’s New Proggy Cats?" show.

4.5 Stars