Area International POPular Group: reviews, classics, and fearless experiments

Area international POPular group

Musical Group

Forfans of italian prog/jazz fusion, adventurous listeners, and newcomers curious about demetrio stratos and 1970s counterculture sounds.
4 Reviews 2 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

Italian progressive/jazz-fusion collective formed in 1972, renowned for radical experimentation, politically charged concepts, and the extraordinary vocal research of Demetrio Stratos alongside Patrizio Fariselli, Paolo Tofani, Ares Tavolazzi, and Giulio Capiozzo.

Formed in 1972 in Italy; classic lineup included Demetrio Stratos, Patrizio Fariselli, Paolo Tofani, Ares Tavolazzi, and Giulio Capiozzo; associated with Cramps Records; landmark albums include Arbeit Macht Frei (1973), Caution Radiation Area (1974), Crac! (1975), and Maledetti (1976); known for political/experimental works like Luglio, agosto, settembre (nero) and Gioia e Rivoluzione; performed reunion shows including 2011.

Four reviews chart Area’s arc from 1970s masterpieces to a daring 2011 reunion. Writers praise their blend of avant-jazz, prog, and political charge, with Stratos’ voice as an instrument. Maledetti emerges as a socio-political concept milestone. The live set proves the name still carries adventurous substance.

Notable Quotes

❝ "Maledetti" represents the ultimate expression of the Counterculture movement, the most evolved branch of the complex experimentation begun by Area in 1973.

❝ This album represents for me the swan song of the best band Italy has ever had.

❝ A beautiful evening, a beautiful concert and the satisfaction of seeing how a legendary group, despite all the losses and misfortunes in the world, manages to move forward without becoming a caricature of themselves, indeed doing everything to not offend the myth.