Deus Ex Machina

Rooted in the jazz-rock fusion of the '70s, particularly the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Italy's Deus Ex Machina deliver powerhouse tunes that are heavy on rhythm and hypnotic vamps. These serve two purposes: first, as launching pads for the virtuosic solos of analog synth player/organist Fabrizio Puglisi, soaring violinist Buonez Bonnetti and intense-toned guitarist Maurino Collina. Second, and even more intriguing from a North American listener's standpoint, as a stage from which the outstanding Alberto Piras can deliver some powerhouse vocals in his native Italian, and in the unlikely tongue of ancient Latin. In either case, Piras's charismatic performances render language barriers meaningless. One listen to him on tunes like "Cor Mio" or "Giallo Oro" will bring even the casual listener into the orbit of Imparis, a half studio, half live two-disc set that includes 60 minutes of live footage, as well as a retrospective on DeM's ten-year career. Worth checking out, especially for those who miss John McLaughlin's trippier times.