Cover of Yugen Labirinto d´acqua
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For fans of progressive rock, rock in opposition enthusiasts, lovers of avant-garde music, and those interested in italian progressive bands.
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THE REVIEW

What a stroke of luck!

Yes, because it's not every day that you happen to randomly browse a blog and find something that fully meets your expectations.

It satisfies them in terms of genre: "rock in opposition" and progressive with stylistic nuances of the avant-garde and the unmistakable imprint of Uncle Frank's musical legacy. Could I ask for anything more?

It satisfies them because this group, or rather, musical project, succeeds in creating an original album by harvesting the fruits of those who made the history of these genres. By this I don't mean new or experimental, but an album that sounds like a "RIO" album composed in 2005 should sound. Yugen also skillfully prevent themselves from potential aging that the future might have in store; they don't paint something old to make it seem new using modern tricks, but nourish themselves from the sap of the plants that produced those fruits, that is, the movement that broke the classical molds, which they call the avant-gardes of the twentieth century, thus giving the sounds an alibi of timelessness.

It satisfies them because "Labirinto d'aqua" is far from virtuosity or a mere exercise in style; it is emotion. Complex, changing, elaborate, as are the fantastic arrangements, skillfully intertwining the multiple sounds of the instruments in electric and acoustic inlays, maintaining a dramatic yet subtle tension without faltering, an effective antidote against possible boredom that often arises as a consequence of a sought-after formal complexity.

It satisfies them also because it's an Italian album. It may seem trivial, but it's very satisfying to know that in my still modest Italy, you can find works of this caliber.

So, in short, I am happy and satisfied.

 

P.S. It may be little, but at least this is mine. For those who wish to delve deeper, they can listen to an interview with Francesco Zago and read some information about the project and the album.

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Summary by Bot

Yugen’s album Labirinto d’acqua is praised as a standout progressive rock release, firmly rooted in the rock in opposition tradition and avant-garde influences. The album balances complexity with emotional depth, avoiding mere virtuosity. It channels the authentic spirit of a timeless RIO album without relying on modern gimmicks. The Italian origin adds local pride to an already impressive musical work.

Yugen

Yugen is an Italian avant-prog/RIO ensemble led by guitarist-composer Francesco Zago. Their work blends progressive rock with chamber music textures, documented on albums including Labirinto d’acqua, Iridule, and Death By Water.
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