Rating: 8/10
Label: Heta Productions 2011
Review by Endre 'Bandi' Hübner
Usually the name says it all, ain't it? Well, according to their bio these Italian dudes changed their name from Frame to 80-is to refer to their sound. Rightfully so, they sound like a smooth blend of underground legends C.I.T.A. and Toto, extremely melodic yet with a touch of a progressive approach.
The line-up appears to be far from constant, yet all musicians contributing to the album are seasoned session musicians and it is well audible. These guys know what they wanna play and know how to do it. Though it is an independent effort financed by (judging from the name) a Russian producer the sound is surprisingly good, the mix is balanced, crystal clear, even the vocals sound decent which is usually the achilles tendon of independent records. 5 musicians, 10 tracks, 41 minutes, 80s sound, countless happy hours when listening.
Don't shy away from independent efforts, with studio technology available to the masses at reasonable prices, more and more diamonds can be found in the rough. 8-is is one. Apparently there's life in Italy beyond Frontiers Records.
www.8-is.com
www.myspace.com/8is
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