...DI TERRA

By 1978 the legendary RPI kings Banco were flaming out like many of the classic era bands. It wasn't quite over yet but certainly the wild and the grandiose prog rock of a few years prior was gone. Orme were likewise coasting on fumes in that regard though they had one in the tank called 'Florian' of similar experimental ambition. 'di terra' is not a horrible album and in fact it is quite interesting and of the quality one would expect from this band. It is, however, quite different. Gone are the fabulous vocals and the sound of Darwin. In its place is an album that feels like a soundtrack, an experimental merging of jazz and classical instrumentals, and an album that to me feels like they were influenced by Area but wanted to run it through the prism of orchestral sound. One gentleman compared it to Univers Zero, but even better. Of course the performances are completely exquisite, with wonderful strings and great piano sections, with a bit of soft atmosphere in one corner and some restrained but solid rhythm in the other. Certain sections are very effective in being quite lovely and thought provoking, but it is a very dry experience for me. The truth of the matter is that after a ton of plays I have no attachment whatsoever to 'di terra.' I never long to play it. It's Banco and I respect these guys a lot but this is a cerebral album that brings me very little joy. And I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for purely cerebral musical experiences. If it isn't fun or moving to me in some way, I'd rather be listening to something else. Paese dei Balocchi is an example of a similar kind of music does seem more palatable. That said, if you enjoy very challenging music a bit on the dry side, this may be a masterpiece for you.

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