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VIETATO AI MINORI DI 18 ANNI (ITA. LTD. PAPERSLEEVE ED.)
JUMBO
1973 , ITALY - EURO 16.00
Label: VM 2000
ALBUM REVIEW
This is Jumbo’s third and last recording in the 70s; “Vietato ai Minori di 18” is also their most accomplished effort, an outstanding specimen of the harder side of Italian symphonic prog. As in their preceding release “DNA”, this album is pretty much based upon a mixture of folkish sensitiveness and blues-rock fiery approach, with an amalgam of extended jamming and multicolored compositions providing the progressive essence to the band’s musical style. The overall sound is not as rough as in “DNA”, but nevertheless, the band sounds stronger, somewhat heavier. What happens here is that the augmented energy has been cleverly recycled through an air of sophistication brought by a more diverse instrumentation: mellotron and synths (Franco Battiato guests on VCS 3 in some numbers) are added in the mix, together with the sixtro - a Renaissance string instrument -, and some extra percussion. The compositions are more complex, too, so the level of symphonic bombast feels quite impressive...Fella’s lead voice remains as harsh as always, but thanks to the amplified sophistication in the arrangements and instrumentation, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming as before. (C.Inca Mendoza Loyola) 
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