BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

After much consideration, I realized that this is probably the best Banco album, even if just by a hair.

Moreover, this is pretty much as good as RPI gets. While there are parts that lose their energy, the payoff is always there. It really works as an album, and introduces and concludes itself with dignity, leaving the exciting parts in the middle.

RIP is a fantastic start that balances cheer and drama, and doesn't waste a note. It has a fantastic clean guitar solo that is rare even in prog. Immediately you can hear the power in the vocals and I probably would pick this for the best singer in the RPI scene, and one of the greatest in rock music in general.

Banco has a strange quality of having their guitar player occupy the position of doing the least work on each album, with guitar parts being a light touch on songs that are overflowing with keyboard, drums, and strong voice. It's almost like the guitar player is trying not to overshadow the bassist, but the keyboardist is playing circles around even Keith Emerson.

On the fourth and fifth tracks you'll hear some of the greatest music ever recorded, with sections that build up tension slowly and blow you away with a perfect resolution. While prog rock is full of songs that pass the ten minute or approach the twenty minute mark, these two are examples that have stood the test of time in every way. The conclusion of Il Giardano Del Mago is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.

If I were introducing someone to RPI, hands down this is the album I would recommend. It hardly gets any better than this, all things considered.

Share this BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ProgRockPrincess
• Report this review (#2841619)
• Buy BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO music online with PA partners
• Show all BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO MP3/Stream
• Go to BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO related discussions