BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

Several times during the play of this album, there are haunting melodies that emerge like a spirit coming down from the hills and walking into town at dusk. Yes indeed. Banco need no introduction. They blow away the nonsense argument that RPI is some pure derivative of English rock. They are the king of the "big 3", slightly edging Orme for the crown and blowing away PFM in this writer's opinion. And this is their amazing, unforgettable debut. The album consists of three long epic tracks supported by three short but important supporting pieces. What really makes the album is its adventurous progressive spirit mixed with a few heavenly, calming melodies noted above, creating great contrast and intrigue. Formidable musicianship, good arrangements, decent production(for 1972 Italy), and the commanding vocals of Francesco Di Giacomo only seal the deal. Flutes, brilliantly plucked acoustic guitars, violin, lovely choruses, experimental noise, heavy grooves, tight merciless drumming, orgasmic but controlled guitar playing, pure Italian passion, and oh my, the keyboards and especially my dear love the piano, are all over this thing. Within the prog-manic jams and movements of the main three songs, eventually are birthed the loveliest melodies as only the Italians can do it....sentimental, warm, homey, like a summer evening on the Villa. These moments of pure emotional warmth often contrast with the sometimes edgy rock occurring around them, but they never sound contrived or ill conceived. It all flows so well. For possibly the first time in my 700 reviews I find that Wiki perhaps sums it up better than anyone: "A careful balance of electronic and acoustic instruments, plus the use of reeds, made the sound of Banco increasingly original and innovative, with a blend of rock, jazz and classical music which did not however forsake the Italian melodic tradition." The first three Banco albums are essential for RPI fans and I recommend getting them in chronological order to chart the progression. There is no consensus on which of the three are the finest, each has its own personality and each its own devotees.

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