Homunculus Res
Come si diventa ciò che si era

The Sicilian band Homunculus Res proves to be one of the most interesting names in the current Italian prog scene. Unlike many Italian groups - though valid - of this genre that draw on classic models from the past - from various Pfm, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Museo Rosenbach, Il Balletto di Bronzo etc. - Homunculus Res instead look to one of the most creative and original formations of our musical panorama of the era such as the great Picchio Dal Pozzo: it is no coincidence, then, that among the guests we find Aldo De Scalzi, one of the historical members of the Ligurian group. Picchio Dal Pozzo were drawing from the so-called Canterbury Sound, a fruitful and inexhaustible branch of British progressive that has gifted us extraordinary bands like the Soft Machine, Caravan, Hatfield & The North, National Health just to name a few. And indeed, references to Canterbury are not lacking in the music of our group.

Founded in 2010 by bassist Dario D’Alessandro, Homunculus Res have behind them a good debut like "Limiti all’eguaglianza della Parte con il Tutto" (2013). The new album, titled "Come si diventa ciò che si era", is released by a label of absolute prominence such as AltrOck Productions which has in its catalog names of the caliber of Yugen and Rational Diet: it is a sort of concept set in a civic hospital. Among the collaborators, we find respectable names like the aforementioned Aldo De Scalzi, David Newhouse (The Muffins), Alco Frisbass, Regal Worm, Wyatt Moss-Wellington, and Paolo “Ske” Botta (Yugen, Not A Good Sign).

Musically we are in the realms, as mentioned, of the Canterbury Sound but you can also find elements of RIO and Jazz-Rock: the tracks are often short and whimsical while the interplay between the musicians is perfect: the group definitely shows they've reached a high level of cohesion and maturity. There's never a dull moment even though, inevitably, there’s nothing actually new in lively songs like “Operazione Simpatia”, “Doppiofondo del Barile”, and the irresistible “Vesica Piscis” with echoes of Hatfield & The North. The organ sounds of Davide Di Giovanni are perfect in their typically retro essence. “Dogface reprise” is a clear homage to the great Robert Wyatt where his typical vocalizations are reprised. In the fifth track “Opodeldoc”, characterized by dizzying tempo changes, we find amongst the guests Paolo “Ske” Botta of Yugen on keyboards. Elsewhere the atmospheres are lighter as in “La felicità”. In “Belacqua” I hear Henry Cow and Muffins (not surprisingly, David Newhouse is featured on saxophone and clarinet!) while the long “Ospedale Civico” is undoubtedly the highlight of the album: over its 18-minute duration, Homunculus Res demonstrate all their instrumental prowess: the music is thoroughly enjoyable despite its fragmentary nature made of odd times also because the Sicilian group never forgets melody, one of the essential components of their sound. They close with the very short and quirky “Paum/” and the instrumental “Schermaglie.”

“Come si diventa ciò che si era” is certainly an excellent album that confirms Homunculus Res' inspiration: perhaps the only weak point is the vocals which can become monotonous over time, but this certainly does not undermine the overall value of their music.