Ifsounds
Reset

The Ifsounds are a band from Molise with several albums under their belt, oriented towards a direct and complex progressive-rock that contained various influences from classic rock and progressive, among which the most recognizable was, at times, that of the Pink Floyd. Their most mature album was probably "Apeirophobia" from 2010 released by Melodic Revolution Records. The line-up of the Ifsounds has undergone many changes over time, remaining essentially anchored to the figure of the founder, guitarist, and singer Dario Lastella. Now, still with Melodic Revolution Records, a new album by the group is released, significantly titled "Reset". The title is no coincidence considering that we are faced with a new and radical change in line-up, leaving only the aforementioned Dario Lastella and the keyboardist Claudio Lapenna from the old members. Thus "Reset" is a sort of concept centered on a new beginning, both stylistically and philosophically.

And indeed, listening to the various tracks on the album, one notices, compared to the past, a decisive change towards a more direct and essential sound, less prog. Certainly, this stylistic change has been significantly influenced, as mentioned before, by the vicissitudes of the band members. The vocalist chosen is Runal, a singer with a rock-blues background and also the new drummer Gianni Manariti and the new bassist Fabio De Libertis are oriented towards a more spontaneous sound. In reality, a certain approach to prog remains, as can be heard in the first track "When I Was Born Again", biting, energetic, and characterized by a dry drum and incisive guitar sounds. The following "FR9364", instrumental only, also attacks with almost "frippian" guitars and an essential rhythm section. "40-14" is instead very rock, with a decidedly hard guitar riff. "Laura", on the other hand, is delicate and chiseled by acoustic guitar chords, close to a certain melodic prog of the '70s. With "I've Never Hated Anyone" we enter decidedly hard-rock territories with Runal's raspy voice always in the spotlight. "Run Away" is calmer, with the keyboards taking the lead. "Flag-Back" continues in the vein of direct, mannered hard-rock while "Fading Blues" is another big rock ballad. The title track begins with a beautiful assertive bass and very prog keyboards: then the "floydian" guitar comes into play with gilmourian solos of great effect for what is a pleasant atmospheric track. It ends with "The Tide", not very convincing and without much punch in my opinion.

Now it will be up to the public to judge the new course of the Ifsounds. Frankly, I find this change of direction not completely successful. "Reset" for my taste is too oriented, in some passages, to an easy and too predictable hard-rock. There are some good flashes, but ultimately, the impression is that a certain taste for expansion and psychedelia has been lost. Curiously, the album is released in two versions, one sung in English and the other in Italian.