Muffx
L'ora di tutti

The Muffx are a Salentinian prog band with three albums under their belt: now Black Widow releases their fourth work titled "L'ora di tutti". It is an ambitious and wide-ranging piece in its way: it is inspired by the 1932 novel by Maria Corti, a renowned philologist, literary critic, and writer, also titled "L'ora di tutti" and set in Otranto during the Turkish invasion of 1480. It is the most known and famous novel by this writer and the theme inevitably engaged the Muffx, who decided to take a 'journey' back in time in search of their origins and culture. Essentially, the album, in the best prog tradition, is a grand concept. The album is structured as a single suite divided into four parts where the musicians' blend and excellent interplay stand out. Musically, the Muffx, composed of guitarist and singer Luigi Bruno, Alberto Ria on drums, Mauro Tre on keyboards, and Ilario Suppressa on bass, draw heavily from the glorious progressive tradition of the '70s: some references to Goblin in certain dark and cinematic passages are not lacking, but the influences are actually manifold, and the final result is not lacking originality. In the first track, "Un'alba come tante," we are in jazz-rock territory with a beautiful psychedelic guitar – Bruno's solos are very effective – in the spotlight. Often the atmospheres change multiple times within the same track: it goes from more intense and gloomy moments to more calming ones like in "Vengono dal mare" where the love for certain "Canterbury" sounds is evident and, in particular, I feel the influence of Caravan which, after all, often peeks through during the listening of the album. But this is not a dry, slavishly derivative product: the Muffx manage to create a language that, while paying tribute to '70s music, sounds fresh and engaging. The beginning of the last track, "Bernabei," is overwhelming with its oriental and psychedelic atmospheres. The cover art is also beautiful: recommended for prog enthusiasts and anyone who loves good music in general. Available at http://blackwidow.it/.