La Coscienza di Zeno
La notte anche di giorno

La Coscienza di Zeno is one of the best current formations in Italian progressive rock. The group hails from Genoa, a city that in the past has given prestige to our progressive scene but that even now can boast a varied scene that includes Fabio Zuffanti with all his numerous projects (Finisterre, La Maschera di Cera, Hostsonaten to name just a few), Il Tempio delle Clessidre, Il Segno del Comando and indeed La Coscienza di Zeno. The group, which already has two excellent albums under its belt like their debut and “Sensitività”, now reaches its third work entitled “La notte anche di giorno”. It's an ambitious work: in the best tradition of this genre, it centers on a concept featuring two protagonists, a young suicidal woman and a centenarian who was a partisan courier in the past. The lyrics, beautiful, deep, and existentialist, are by the keyboardist Stefano Agnini, who also composed the music. The other members of the group are fellow keyboardist Luca Scherani, experienced bassist Gabriele Guidi Colombi, talented guitarist Davide Serpico, drummer Andrea Orlando, and excellent singer Alessio Calandriello, who possesses a very distinctive tone. On this occasion, the ensemble was expanded to include violinist Domenico Ingenito, cellist Melissa Del Lucchese, flutist Joanne Roan, and talented singer Simona Angioloni.

Musically, the addition of strings has certainly benefited, imparting greater variety and new nuances to the sound. “La notte anche di giorno” is divided into two suites titled “Giovane figlia” and “Madre antica”. The fact that the group has finally decided to dedicate themselves to suites demonstrates the full maturity they have reached and will delight all lovers of progressive rock, who are notoriously thrilled when they can listen to long, layered compositions. “Giovane figlia” talks about a suicidal girl: the lyrics focus on the theme of pain. The suite is divided into six sections, notably “Il giro del cappio” and “Libero pensatore”. It is a breathtaking piece that never bores, and frankly, it's been a long time since I've heard music so inspired and engaging, reminiscent of legendary old Italian prog groups like La Locanda delle Fate. There are also references to Genesis in what is truly a triumph of symphonic music. The keyboards – by Agnini and Scherani – dominate, creating sumptuous atmospheres while the violin manages to bring new colors to the ensemble. The guitar solos by Davide Serpico are also very incisive. The last section – “Lenta discesa all'Averno” – is sung in French by Simona Angioloni and is a reinterpretation of an old Breton ballad. The second suite - divided into four sections – is less immediate than the first. Compared to “Giovane figlia”, “Madre antica” is more fragmented and requires a few more listens to be fully appreciated, but nonetheless, the level remains very high with the strings still in great evidence and a solid rhythm section led by Colombi's bass.

“La notte anche di giorno” is ultimately La Coscienza di Zeno's best album and one of the most outstanding Italian prog records in a long time. In my opinion, we are facing a small masterpiece. Genoa reaffirms itself as a breeding ground of extraordinary talents.