Post Description

Studio Album, released in 1973, Italy.

Rock Progressivo Italiano.

Blocco Mentale was an Italian prog band from Lazio that was formed in 1972 by Bernardo "Dino" Finocchi (vocals, sax, flute), Aldo Angeletti (vocals, bass), Gigi Bianchi "Roso" (guitar, vocals), Filippo Lazzari (keyboards, vocals, harmonica) and Michele Arena (drums, vocals). In 1973 they released an interesting album called "?oa" (that in Greek means grass), featuring naives lyrics dealing with ecological subjects, in a style that could remind of bands like Le Orme, New Trolls and PFM. Despite the good quality, the album was not successful at all and, after the release of a last single, Blocco Mentale disbanded. Later they reformed with another name, Limousine, playing in a more commercial and conventional way. Blocco Mentale"s debut work is really worth listen to and the band would have deserved definitively more credit. [Andrea Parentin]

PiOA" is one of the most beautiful Italian progressive rock albums out there. BLOCCO MENTALE were really influenced by early-KING CRIMSON, GENESIS, and PFM. The music tends to alternate between heavy guitar/sax sections and softer acoustic guitar/mellotron/flute interludes. Yes, the formula is really popular (then and now), but the quality of the music here is rare. Most of the band members also provide vocals as the album develops. The richness, and variation, in the vocal sections really sets this album apart, and adds a subtle Italian theatrical influence. If you"re interested in some of the lesser known Italian prog bands from the 70s, this is a great place to start. 


Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Capita (4:44)
2. Aria e mele (4:34)
3. Impressione (8:27)
4. Io e me (4:27)
5. La nuova forza (7:37)
6. Ritorno (5:34)
7. Verde (3:52)
Bonus on Mellow CD:
8. L`amore muore a vent`anni
9. Lei e musica

Total Time: 39:15

Line-up / Musicians

- Aldo Angeletti / solist vocals, bass
- Michele Arena / vocal, drums
- Gigi "Roso" Bianchi / vocals, guitar
- Filippo Lazzari / vocals, keyboards and harmonica
- Dino Finocchi / solist vocals, sax and flute