BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

Debut by one of the great Italian prog rock bands. Unfortunately I find this debut a bit overrated. For one thing the production is pretty lousy, and Franco di Giacomo's singing seems a bit overbearing, but the album isn't bad, although some of the material here was greatly improved when re-recorded for their 1975 album just called "Banco" (which was their first international release). "In Volo" is a nice, medieval-influenced piece dominated by recorders and some strange sound effects. "R.I.P. (Requiescant in Pace)" is regarded as one of the album's high points. Lots of piano and even some synthesizer (the synths here are nothing to write home about, compared to their next releases). "Passagio" is a short harpsichord interlude before coming to "Metamorfosi", which is largely instrumental, dominated by the organ of Vittorio Nocenzi and piano of his brother Gianni. Then you have the 18 minute "Il Giardino del Mago" which has some really intense moments, although there are some slow parts that needed to be thrown out. Then the album ends with "Traccia" complete with "la la" choruses. In my opinion, this album has excellent material, but their next two albums, "Darwin!" and "Io Sono Nato Libero" are the albums to get first.