BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

Brimming with emotion, energy and passion, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's debut album makes them one of the top players in Italian prog music. Much like other "symphonic progressive" bands, beautiful melodies and interesting arrangements abound. And the singer is really, really good!

Anyway, the album begins with the slightly eerie "In volo", which sounds like some sort of introduction/monologue backed by some sparse instrumentation and childish choirs in the back (I don't speak Italian, so I don't what he's saying). The album then gets started with the rousing "R.I.P.". Driven by a powerful guitar riff, it's the closest thing I've heard to a symphonic rock song. There is some great guitar and piano interplay in this energetic song. Thing slow down in the second half of the song (sounding like a ballad), but picks up right at the end. "Passaggio" is a short interlude piece with a medieval sounding harpsichord and word-less singing in the background. "Metamorphosi" starts out with a beautiful piano but after a few minutes really picks up before launching into the main melody. The organ and guitar lead the way through most of this song before slowing down and vocals come in towards the end of the song. The ending so sooo epic! It's great. "Il giardino del mago" is an epic journey of winding, dynamic passages. There are some great ideas in this song, but it's a little too drawn out for it's own good. "Traccia" is a powerful closer with powerful drums and organ, backed by piano and a choir (think classical music).

Overall, for what it's worth, Banco's debut album succeeds in showing what the band is made of. It's bold, epic and stays true to the Italian prog style. My only problem with it is that it's a little too repetitive in the two longer songs. Given that, it's beautifully constructed, even if the band is playing it safe. If you are a fan of this stuff, go for it, but if not, there's better Italian prog albums out there.

Standout songs: "R.I.P.", "Il giardino del mago"