Catapilla
Changes

To which species of insect category could the image on the cover of this album belong? Perhaps it could be a sort of genetic mutation of a leaf with an insect... The idea is nonetheless original and fascinating.

This was the second and last (as far as I know) album released in 1972 by Catapilla. Probably the cause of the group's "dissolution" was their "excessive" originality or perhaps also due to the difficult musical assimilation. Indeed, at times, the music proves to be challenging and requires the listener to concentrate more than other progressive works. Nonetheless, despite this particular aspect, the album features some memorable instrumental passages.

The line-up of this group consists of: Graham. Wilson (Guitar), Ralph. Rolinson (Organ and Electric Piano), Carl. Wassard (Electric Bass), Brian. Hanson (Drums), Robert. Calvert (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Electric and Acoustic Saxophones), Anna. Meek (Vocals). Four tracks, two of which are rather long, totaling about thirty-eight minutes. The distinctive traits of this formation are the enigmatic and at times unsettling "vocalizations" of A. Meek. The instrumentalists all possess good technical and compositional skills, particularly R. Calvert. The rhythm section is agile and convincing.

Perhaps the most curious and complex track is "Reflections". At first listen, it may not be particularly immediate, especially due to Meek's vocal performance. "Charing Cross" is musically similar to the first track but equipped with rhythm and valid electric guitar inserts. "Thank Christ For George" is the most intricate piece. In this track as well, Anna's artistic performance stands out, possessing considerable vocal range. Also noteworthy are the beautiful instrumental passages on saxophone and guitar. The instrumental "It Could Only Happen To Me" is decidedly out of the ordinary, so much so that, in my view, it is a masterpiece. An unforgettable track, endowed with an impressive musical and expressive charge. The guitar and saxophone solos are splendid.

Catapilla are somewhat like musical alchemists because at times they manage to transform lead into gold. The CD packaging (Akarma) is good, although I must sincerely admit they could have easily included a booklet with some biographical notes about the group. I would also like to point out a small curiosity about this album concerning the length of the first and third tracks: indeed, while the first lasts 12:06 minutes, the third lasts 12:07 minutes. I would define it as a mathematically curious event.

It's difficult to evaluate a work of such magnitude because, at times, it assumes the form and artistic substance of a masterpiece. In conclusion, an album recommended only to a certain audience of listeners of these musical genres. Album rating 4.2 out of 5 (stars or little stars, you decide).