PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI: I Dreamed Of Electric Sheep (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In two albums - "Photos of Ghosts" (1973), "The World Became The World" (1974) (*) -, Prematia Forneria Marconi has indelibly marked the minds of lovers of the nascent progressive, with a unique tone made of melodies, a certain elegant romanticism that did not hesitate to rub shoulders with rock, classical or jazz, with a touch of theatricalism, in a mixture that has made it one of the pillars of Italian Progressive Rock. From the original formation, only Franz Di Cioccio remains, quickly joined by Patrick Djivas. The line-up changes have led to many variations in the musical style delivered by PFM, which has long moved away from its progressive bases. Almost 50 years after its irruption in the musical landscape, the release of its twentieth album "I Dreamed of Electric Sheep" (a nod to Philip K. Dick's novel, adapted to the cinema under the title of "Blade Runner") arouses at least the curiosity.

This opus is a surprising patchwork which multiplies the allusions to the career of the group. In the shape first, since it is presented as a double CD, one in English and the other in Italian, like the first productions of the band. As in the first albums, the beginning is done under a classicizing orchestral shape which evolves very differently, the instrumental 'Mondi Paralleli' adopting a very tonic fusion tone which highlights a very powerful rhythmic section (Franz Di Cioccio and Patrick Djivas have been working together for more than 45 years and evolve in full osmosis) "I Dreamed of Electric Sheep" deploys an interesting variety of tones, less interesting when it is close to the ambient ('Ombre Amiche', 'AtmoSpace', not unpleasant but anecdotal), much more cheerful when it lets speak its groove ('Pecore Eletricche' or 'Mr Non Lo So', impeccable).

The nostalgic ones will miss the luminous interventions of Franco Mussida on the guitar or Mauro Pagani on the violin. It is indeed necessary to wait for 'Mr Non Lo So' (reference to 'Mr 9 Till 5' of "Photos of Ghosts"?) to hear some touches of violin, the surprising alliance flute / bagpipe of 'Il Respiro del Tempo' to find a part of the poetry of former days. The album is technically perfectly mastered (witness 'Transumanza Jam' where transpires the pleasure of playing together) and endowed with a production that brings an excellent finish.

So yes, the Prematia Forneria Marconi of 2021 is musically far from the band that delivered the founding albums, less resolutely progressive and less magical. In spite of that, "I Dreamed of Electric Sheep" is an irreproachable realization which delivers its batch of varied and endearing titles. Very recommendable. - Official website

PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI

I DREAMED OF ELECTRIC SHEEP

INSIDEOUT MUSIC

PROGRESSIVE ROCK