"Io sono Murple" (I Am Murple) by Murple, 1974.
Murple is an Italian symphonic progressive rock band formed in Rome in 1971 and disbanded in 1975 after releasing only one album, "Io sono Murple," in 1974.
The initial lineup consisted of Pino Santamaria (guitar), Piercarlo Zanco (keyboards), Mario Garbarino (bass), and Duilio Sorrenti (drums).
Murple disbanded in 1975 after a brief career, despite plans for a second album, and reunited in 2007.
Their sound was a classically influenced symphonic progressive rock with instrumental parts, based on keyboards and complex, original compositions with long instrumental sections and strong tempo changes, along with profound, philosophical lyrics.
Io sono Murple is a concept album that tells, in suite form, the singular story of Murple the penguin's journey from the North Pole to a zoo. Upon its release, the album received critical acclaim for its complexity and originality, but its limited distribution made it a rare collector's item until subsequent reissues.
The two lengthy suites are divided into six movements to tell the story of how the penguin, to escape the endless routine of his life, distances himself from the herd, unfortunately unable to enjoy the beauty of the world: he will be taken by man and forced first into a circus and finally into the zoo...
Suite Side A: "Io sono Murple Part One" is the first suite, describing Murple's departure from his natural habitat and his first, tragic encounter with humanity.
- Antartide (Antarctica): The suite begins with atmospheric keyboards and a sense of tranquility, evoking Murple's icy home.
- Metamorfosi: The music changes when Murple decides to leave the herd, marked by a change in tempo and instrumentation, reflecting his inner transformation and the beginning of his journey.
- Pathos: This section introduces a dramatic, symphonic tone, with heavy organ and guitar to convey the gravity and emotion of his solo journey into the unknown.
- Senza Un Perché: A tension-building interlude, the music here is complex, showcasing the band's skill with bass, drums, and keyboards that intertwine as the narrative unfolds.
- Nessuna Scelta: A dark section, Murple is captured by humans. The atmosphere is more aggressive, with a fast-paced rhythm and strong vocals, conveying a sense of entrapment and lack of alternatives.
- Murple Rock: A surprisingly upbeat, rock-oriented track that closes the first side.
Suite Side B: "Io sono Murple part two" is the second suite, recounting Murple's life in captivity, first in a circus and finally in a zoo.
- Preludio E Scherzo: A classically inspired opening section, with complex keyboard and guitar parts that lead into a more frenetic scherzo section.
- Tra I Fili: A section characterized by frenetic performance and a sense of spectacle, but with a tragic undertone. - - Variazioni In 6/8 is a technically perfect instrumental section with great execution.
- Fratello is a section with a touching and melodic atmosphere.
- Un Mondo Così narrates Murple as he is transferred to the "Antarplastic" zoo, and the sound reflects the feeling of confinement in an alien world.
- Antarplastic closes the album. Murple ends his days on a small artificial iceberg, the atmosphere is melancholic and beautiful.
A beautiful work, but unfortunately not sufficiently known, performed, with great instrumental skill, excellent guitar work, and very powerful drums. Due to the lack of promotion by the label, it went unnoticed for too long, but can now be rediscovered in new reissues.
A highly recommended album.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
1. Antartide / Metamorfosi / Pathos / Senza Un Perché / Nessuna Scelta / Murple Rock (17:37)
2. Preludio E Scherzo / Tra I Fili / Variazioni In 6/8 / Fratello / Un Mondo Così / Antarplastic (16:37)
Duration 34:14
LineUp
- Giuseppe "Pino" Santamaria - lead vocals and backing vocals, electric, acoustic, and 12-string guitars
- Pier Carlo Zanco - lead vocals and backing vocals, organ, piano, Eminent, synthesizer, double bass
- Mario Garbarino - bass, bongos, triangle
- Duilio Sorrenti - drums, congas, timbales, gong
