HÖSTSONATEN springsong
		Format CD Country Italy Recorded 2000 Issued 2001 Label Sublime Cat no. I-122001 Playing time 45:03 Reviewer Sven Eriksen

Høstsonaten is Fabio Zuffanti’s side-project from Finisterre. Both bands draw inspiration from PFM, but while Finisterre leans on the harder, jazz-rock sides of PFM, we find the softer sides of PFM in the music of Høstsonaten. Subtle piano notes, flutes and violins flourish, mellotrons and hammonds glide, and the music floats like a quiet river without rapids and waterfalls. Titles like "In The Open Fields", "She Sat Writing Letters On The Riverbank" and "The World Is Alive with The Smell Of The Rain" only add to the pastoral feeling.

"Springsong" is a beautiful record, and those of you who prefer music loud and energetic will not find much here. But for those who find joy in the subdued and beautiful – sometimes quite simple, other times flirting with light jazz tones, symphonic and atmospheric – will have many fine moments with this record. But you need to be prepared for a record where, at times, rather little actually happens.

The packaging is a chapter of its own. A fold-out cardboard cover with two pockets, one carrying the CD, the other holds ten cards, one for each song, each with a drawing and the track’s line-up. In addition, there is a card with the poem "Spingsong" printed. Utterly tasteful.

"Springsong" is not a sensational record, but something as rare as a warm and nice prog record.

© 2003 Tarkus Magazine

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