Area

Label: Ascolto
Country: Italy
Released: 1978
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Released in 1978, "1978 Gli Dei Se Ne Vanno, Gli Arrabbiati Restano!" is the fifth studio album by the Italian band Area, which was also known as the International POPULAR Group. This album was made available on the Ascolto label and recorded at Fono-Roma in Milan. It is significant as the last studio work featuring the revolutionary vocalist Demetrio Stratos, who passed away the following year.

Band Evolution

Following the departure of guitarist Paolo Tofani, Area transitioned into a versatile quartet. The band lineup for this album included Demetrio Stratos on lead vocals and various instruments, Patrizio Fariselli on acoustic and electric pianos including ARP synthesizers, Ares Tavolazzi on bass instruments and brass, and Giulio Capiozzo on drums and percussion. This change did not hinder the band's innovative approach, as they continued to explore complex musical territories.

Concept and Themes

The album was released on the tenth anniversary of the 1968 student protests, which adds a layer of historical context to its content. It serves as a politically charged reflection on disillusionment and cultural resistance. The lyrics and themes express a critique of societal norms and systemic absurdity. Tracks like "Vodka Cola" offer a satirical view of imperialism, while others delve into emotional and cultural commentary.

Musical Style

Musically, the album blends various genres, including progressive rock, jazz-rock, and avant-garde. It incorporates Mediterranean and Middle Eastern modal scales along with free jazz improvisation. The polyrhythmic structures and Stratos's unique vocal techniques, including overtone singing and multiphonics, create a distinctive sound. This innovative fusion makes the album a notable entry in the realms of experimental music.

Recording Details

The album consists of nine tracks, each contributing to its diverse soundscape. The recording process took place in a vibrant studio environment, allowing the band to experiment freely with their sound. This effort led to a rich auditory experience that showcases the band's artistic vision. "1978 Gli Dei Se Ne Vanno, Gli Arrabbiati Restano!" was released on vinyl as an LP, solidifying its presence in the realm of physical music media.

Final Notes

Demetrio Stratos is credited as a composer on this album, marking a unique contribution to Area's discography.

Tracklist

A1	Il Bandito Del Deserto Drums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoElectric Bass, Vocals, Trombone, Trumpet [Pocket-trumpet], Mandola – Ares TavolazziSynthesizer [Arp, Pro-Soloist, Polymoog, Odyssey, Omni], Piano – Patrizio FariselliVocals – Demetrio Stratos	3:13
A2	Interno Con Figure E Luci Drums [Gretsch], Vibraphone [Bailophone] – Giulio CapiozzoElectric Bass – Ares TavolazziPiano, Synthesizer [Arp, Pro-Soloist, Odyssey] – Patrizio FariselliVocals, Ocarina, Organ [Organo Positivo Del Seicento] – Demetrio Stratos	4:07
A3	Return From Workuta Contrabass – Ares TavolazziVocals, Synthesizer [Arp, Omni] – Demetrio Stratos	3:02
A4	Guardati Dal Mese Vicino All'Aprile! Contrabass, Acoustic Guitar – Ares TavolazziDrums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoSynthesizer [Arp, Odyssey] – Patrizio FariselliVocals, Piano – Demetrio Stratos	5:12
A5	Hommage A Violette Nozières Drums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoElectric Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Mandola – Ares TavolazziVocals, Organ [Organo Positivo Del Seicento] – Demetrio Stratos	3:18
B1	Ici On Dance! Drums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoElectric Bass – Ares TavolazziSynthesizer [Arp, Odyssey] – Patrizio FariselliVocals, Electric Piano – Demetrio Stratos	3:27
B2	Acrostico In Memoria Di Laio Drums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoElectric Bass, Trombone, Mandola – Ares TavolazziPiano, Synthesizer [Arp, Polymoog, Odyssey, Omni] – Patrizio FariselliVocals, Electric Organ [Hammond] – Demetrio Stratos	6:12
B3	"FFF" (Festa, Farina E Forca) Acoustic Bass – Ares TavolazziDrums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoPiano, Organ [Organo Positivo Del Seicento] – Patrizio Fariselli	3:49
B4	Vodka Cola Chorus – ClitoDrums [Gretsch] – Giulio CapiozzoElectric Bass, Contrabass, Trombone, Trumpet [Pocket-trumpet] – Ares TavolazziPiano, Synthesizer [Arp, Pro-Soloist, Odyssey, Omni] – Patrizio FariselliVocals, Electric Piano – Demetrio Stratos	7:27

Credits

Arranged By [Arrangiamenti], Producer [Produzione], Realization [Realizzazione], Lyrics By [Testi] – Area
Cover – Studio Lapis
Engineer – Allan "Beep" Goldsberg*
Lacquer Cut By – PiVic*
Photography By – Cesare Monti
Transferred By – Pino Vicari
Written-By – Tavolazzi*
Written-By – Stratos*
Written-By – Capiozzo*
Written-By – Fariselli*