Reverie – Shakespeare, la donna, il sogno

Italian folk-prog ensemble Reverie are certainly an intriguing proposition. Combining the roots of Italian, European and Mediterranean folk music with a more contemporary edge, the band manage to successfully mix the sounds of old with some of the more common sounds of today. For example, while the band utilise instruments such as flutes, pianos, cello and mandolin they also incorporate electric guitars and keyboards into their music, creating a sound which is truly unique.

The eleven tracks on the album are ultimately successful in transporting you back to the time of Shakespeare, with each one telling its own story - "Kiam alvenos la Fino" ("When the End will come") for example is a song of hope with lyrics in Esperanto, while "Willson''s wilde" is an original renaissance lute tune which Reverie have re-arranged to encompass 6 instruments.

Elsewhere, “Sonnetto 130” as its name suggests contains words from Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 130” while "O mistress mine" is a song cited by Shakespeare in The Twelfth Night that has been completely re-written by the band with only the vocal line intact.

If you’re bored with the current music scene and want to listen to something completely different that harks back to times of old then Reverie could be just the band for you. There’s no doubt that each member of the band possesses a great deal of musical talent with “Shakespeare, la donna, il sogno” showcasing their ability to play a variety of instruments and create an impressive mix of progressive folk music.

Rating: 7/10

Reviewed by: Music Spotlight

Further Links: Official Site Myspace Site
 

Out: Now

On: CD

Tracklist:

Willsons Wilde

Sonetto 18

Sonetto 8

A Toy

Sonetto 47

Sonetto 147

Passamezo Antico

O Mistress Mine

Sonetto 130

Plurestantaj Memoroj

Kiam alvenos la Fino