BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

Along with PFM's debut album, the self-entitled debut album from Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso represents the cornerstone of Italian Prog. But the comparison really stops there, as this is an entirely different brand of music. Firstly, it's much darker, heavier, with more eclectic atmosphere, not completely relying on the symphonic edge of PFM and a few other Italian bands. In fact, I would say this is a better representation of the Italian sound as a whole. The most standout features of the album and the band are the dramatic vocal delivery in Italian, the dark and extravagant atmosphere, and an overall sound and style similar to Genesis, Gentle Giant, and ELP.

The album is segregated into some shorter two-minute songs with two longer epics lasting over ten minutes.

'In Volo,' 'Passaggio,' and 'Traccia' are sort of interludes, and give the album a bit of variety. But the real centerpieces here are the three longer tracks. 'R.I.P' is a fun, upbeat song with a hard rocking drive and constant pounding drums. Besides that there is some loose guitar and intense keyboard playing throughout.

The remaining two epics are a bit harder to follow, if only for their more elaborate structure. Both the songs go through an elaborate change in mood and intensity, often changing between softer organ/synth leads to more dramatic and heavier piano or guitar.

Overall, while it may be overly ambitious in some places (especially the lengthy 'Il Giardino Del Mago.'), think this is a solid debut album from an iconic Italian Prog band.

6/10