BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

Another famous Italian prog band's debut. Possibly more Italian sounding than PFM due to frontman Di Giacomo's amazing vocals. He's definitely the star player here, he has a massive, wide and smooth voice, almost like an opera singer (being large and profoundly bearded probably helps here) Banco really come into their own when he lets rip over the lush keyboards, or when he's crooning over a solitary piano (see 'R.I.P.' For an example of both) The two keyboard players (the Nocenzi brothers) handle things admirably, swapping solos and riffs on a variety of instruments.

The drummer, Calderoni (that sounds like some kind of gigantic orchestra drum) makes himself heard with some playing that was pretty brutal for 1972, he's no Carl Palmer but he's not afraid to give it some, smacking the hell out of his snare on each beat in places and executing grand rolls when he needs to. The guitar sounds a little out of place, however as he plays pentatonic against the more complex keys, only really shining with some acoustic playing in 'Il Giardino del Mago' and some muted jazzy soloing on 'R.I.P.'

There's two long songs ('RIP' & 'Metamorfosi') one epic ('Il Giardino del Mago') the latter takes a while to get going, but takes off when DiGiacomo comes in, backed by some crazy complex vocal harmonies (which are then played by the Nocenzis on piano and organ) This is the highlight of the album and also features such delights as a saxophone solo (always welcomed in prog) and a weird fairground organ not to mention the most beautiful vocal melody at about the ten minute mark.

Another highlight for me (although it is really filler) is 'Passaggio' in which you hear a man open a door, walk up to a harpsichord and dick around for a bit whilst mumbling a tune, then get up and leave. It's silly but I can visualise a bizarre old man in a secret chamber in a castle or abandoned church.

To sum up, a great debut, distinguished by excellent vocals and playing from most, the sound quality is a little rough perhaps, but then it was 1972 (and Italy)

Review taken from [URL]http://http://basstunedtodead.wordpress.com/[/URL]