Giusto Pio
Attraverso I Cieli

The sixth album by Giusto Pio is unfortunately a tragic record as it is inspired by the tragic events of Tiananmen in 1989. In fact, to remove any hesitation, they even wanted to title the six-track album Tiananmen 1989. Even the Pooh, a band far removed from Giusto Pio’s genre, commemorated the events and the "unknown protester" with Città proibita from the album Uomini soli. This shows how historical events can influence the consciences of artists.

Returning to Attraverso i cieli, because this was ultimately the chosen title, complete with a cover representing the Empyrean, it begins with the title track that lasts 18 and a half minutes and alternates moments of calm with dramatic moments. The writing is of the highest caliber. There are even desperate screams at the beginning of the piece that are then muffled by the instruments. In the middle of the piece, calm prevails, a moment that makes Pio similar to Battiato of Messa Arcaica. At the twelfth minute, it intensifies and effectively conveys the idea of the attacks, only to return to calm at the end.

The second track, Ou est donc?, is inspired by the fellow painter of Giusto Pio, Masi Simonetti, specifically a poem dedicated to his mother, recited by Gigi Salomon. Even in the suite divided into four parts Dietro la maschera, his paintings are mentioned. In the second variation, the flute also appears.

Also a courageous work, both socially and musically. 4/5.