On rare occasions you hear this album that makes you wonder how these guys did this. Welcome to the magical world of Areknamés, Italian Progs best kept secret. Theres no exaggeration in saying this band is the true heir to Van Der Graaf Generator. There has always been a friendly bond between Peter Hammills troop and Italy. In 1972 their masterful Pawn Hearts was at number one in the countrys album charts! Areknaméss second Love hate roundtrip already came out in 2006 and nearly slipped under my radar. It takes the listener along impressive developments full of analogue keyboards (great organ and Mellotron heaven!), angular guitars and inverted drum patterns. The sound and the lyrics are ominous, dark and very retro seventies. Michele Epifanes voice is as theatrical as Hammills. Addictive stuff, this is!
