Sensation's Fix
Fragments of light

THE REVIEW

In 1973 Sensation's Fix was formed in Florence as a trio consisting of Franco Falsini on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Richard Ursillo on bass, and Keith Edwards on drums. A year later, with the support of Polydor label, they managed to release their debut, "Fragments of Light", which was the first space rock album in Italy. The band's sound is primarily electronic, thanks to the use of the synthesizer, which was very popular at that time. This first CD contains eleven compositions that rarely exceed four and a half minutes, characterized by a very particular feeling and sound.

The psychedelic influences of Gong's "You" are strong, and the keyboard atmospheres are surprising, often giving a hint of new wave, anticipating the works of Alan Parsons & Co. The keyboardist Franco Falsini takes center stage, bringing his artistic flair to life, with limited vocal parts and the use of guitars, which are always in the background. We could humorously define them as the Italian Emerson Lake & Palmer. An album mainly about atmosphere, with some nods to Greenslade and visionary experiences.

It begins with the title track introduced by the guitar and soon joined by the pulsating keyboard that manages to evoke strong emotions and dreamy sensations. It feels like being catapulted into a lunar landscape, rich in stars, from which it is impossible to detach. We could define it as a triumph for the synthesizer, which is as expressive and divine as ever. Perhaps the most beautiful and representative song of the work, envying Camel's "Moonmadness."

The second track, "Nuclear Was Your Brain", begins quietly, almost solemnly, rich in suspense, where one is enveloped by the magical keyboard and the echo of the alienating voice. It seems that all of this came from an unknown space... Very interesting. "Music Is Painting In The Air" is dominated by Falsini's guitar, truly a master of everything, where he indulges in a blues seasoned with lysergic and space experiences. We can define them as a mix between Camel and the less hard Hawkwind.

Then we have the good little hint "Windopax And The Stone Sender" which introduces the beautiful "Space Energy Age", the most psychedelic track of the CD, with the band encapsulating all the American sound and making it an excellent example of the Italian scene. Here one can be charmed even by the voice, truly original and engaging, supported by the rest of the group. The ending is a keyboard cascade, similar to a fall into a vortex with no return. After "Metafel + Mafalac" we find "Space Closure", a track that can approach more standardized prog. Characterized by a cadenced start that slowly absorbs a more obsessive rhythm, with keyboard and the great drum in the spotlight. A magical and never predictable piece until the end, where sound effects, similar to the wind, make it highly expressive.

Passing "Music Without Gravity" we reach "Do You Love Me", a song alternating melancholic and dark moments with more dreamy ones. The most melodic track of the eleven songs, but not less beautiful for it, indeed, even more particular. We approach the end of the record with "Life Beyond The Darkness", a dialogue between guitar and moog. It concludes with the calm and relaxed "Telepathic Children", where the guitar prevails and takes center stage. Certainly, it would have been better to find a grand finale, but nevertheless, it can be considered a peaceful return home, without noise or surprises, like the sound of Sensation's Fix.

The band would continue for another 2 CDs, always recorded in 1974. The most noteworthy is the one following "Fragments Of Light," i.e., "Portable Madness," composed of two long and beautiful suites. Similar to Yes's "Tales From Topographic Oceans."

Enjoy listening, everyone!

"Can You Tell Me Where My Country Lies.."