Exedra
Fenice EP

Engaging, fresh, sophisticated, yet effective.

Everyone has a starting point sooner or later; the problem is where to begin, how to start, and where you want to go. Surely, treading the arduous path of prog-rock is not easy at all, especially these days, where musical realities are becoming fewer and more stereotyped.

"Exedra" is an Apulian project involving G. Prete as a vocalist, L. Orlando on bass, M. Memmola on keyboards, and A. Rapisardo and M. Capone on drums and guitar, respectively.

Born almost as a pastime, the band took its first steps in 2005, making original pearls of memory, such as in the case of "I Giardini di Marzo", revisited in a prog key without losing the indestructible 'Battistian' quality, but rather emphasizing its eternal pleasure and class. The emphasis is just right; feeling the responsibility to play and sing certain pieces is synonymous with sagacity and patience. However, this should not mislead regarding the direction taken by the group, ready to range from revisited classics of the past to their own effective pieces "like Dream Theater" (forgive the comparison), all rigorously sung 'made in Italy', almost as a challenge to the prevailing trend, which, even in our lands, sees the universal English language prevail. The energy of "Siddharta", is tackled almost irreverently by leader G. Prete, who enjoys and appreciates the '70s style, while the rest of the band seems content with good results of a classic rock rhythm, without going overboard, without particularly surprising.

Worth noting is the positive central solo by former guitarist M. Le Grazie. Freshness, indeed, this is what enthusiastically brings the flagship of this EP, "Fenice", whether one likes it or not, the piece is accomplished, spot-on, seemingly already ready before being composed, all in the good and bad sense of the term depending on one's point of view. Whoever composes admits that chance becomes destiny, whoever listens admits that it's talent that becomes material, what is abstract, idea, becomes real, so it becomes successful. So, we are not surprised by the 11 minutes (perhaps too many) of "Venga il tuo Regno", a piece that, according to the band, required months of work, months paid off by a peculiar composition distinct from the previous two pieces, and a need for understanding the song which requires particular attention that goes beyond 3-4 simple listens. Effectiveness.

"Fenice" is an effective EP, with impact, which leaves a doubt after the first listen, but leaves pleasantly surprised those who realize that what cannot be understood at first glance cannot be stereotyped either. Influences range from Dream Theater to Metallica, from '70s prog, to great Italian songwriters of the last decades, all this may seem like a lot, listen to believe.