DARWIN!

When you listen to "L' Evoluzione" you know instantly that something special is going to take place. This extraordinary epic is a digest of what Italian prog is all about : passionate vocals, complex song structure, fantastic keyboards, tranquil moments, powerful passages. There is not a weak second during these forteen minutes. A very strong opener which captivates the listener. The last section of this long number is quieter for a moment. It is again the occasion for Franceso DiGiacomo to display some wonderful vocals (I really like his singing style). The absolute highlight of this album. Such song are difficult to be surpassed on an album.

I feel a bit sad that the harmony has left for the instrumental and long introduction of "La Conquista". Sounds a bit loose and I can only "enter" when the vocal starts. A good track, not more. The short and jazzy "Danza Dei Grandi Rettili" is not my cup of tea either. But that's not due to Banco : it is just that I do not appreciate very much this genre of music.

"Cento Mani E Cento Occhi" opens almost like an ELP song : wild keyboards and frenzy combined with harmonious instants. This is the combination. Extremely varied track, changing from theme constantly. Banco could have used more than these five minutes to develop it more and offering us a song of the caliber of "L'Evoluzione". Anyway, "Cento..." is another great song from "Darwin".

The delicacy of "750,00 Anni..." is again such a pleasant moment of prog music ! The dual vocals / piano works so well... This is one of my preferred track of the album. On a softer side of Banco as well as more accessible and peaceful while "Miserere..." is again more vigourous, darker. Keyboards are flamboyant and heavy. The clarinet during the lasty minute adds a different touch and is welcome to close this good song.

The closing number "Ed Ora..." sounds almost as a medieval song. Some sort of gig. An intruigant piece of music.

This is a real good album and a influent one for several Italian bands ("La Maschera" for instance). Still, it is not easy to approach and needs quite a few spins to get into it. But once you have done this exercise, you'll be charmed.

Four stars.