Premiata Forneria Marconi
Per Un Amico

THE REVIEW

The second album by PFM reveals less flashy qualities compared to the debut record, but not any less solid for that; there is not a track that stands out above the others, but the overall level is undoubtedly high. One notices the progressive emancipation from foreign models (especially those of King Crimson) to create a sound with warm, Mediterranean timbres, with hints of folk and medieval dances (especially in the guitar parts).

The album's opening “Appena Un po'” immediately introduces us to the dreamy and bucolic atmosphere of the record, with the formula, guitar intro/Moog and/or piano solo/guitar again, predominating the general sound. With “Generale,” the rhythm becomes more energetic, but although original, the marching cadence penalizes it a bit. However, the work immediately recovers, thanks to the extraordinary “Per un amico” (dedicated to Claudio Rocchi) and “Il banchetto.” Especially the latter has a great evocative power, characterized by a great instrumental interlude masterfully played by Flavio Premoli.

As a fitting conclusion to the entire work comes “Geranio,” at first slow then increasingly frantic. The only small flaw concerns the vocal parts, due to the lack of a real lead singer (Lanzetti would only arrive later) all the band members sing a bit, resulting in somewhat depersonalized compositions, which nevertheless remain on excellent levels.