BANCO

BANCO is an outstanding progressive band from Italy. The omnipresent tons of keyboards are really symphonic and some sound really electronic, sometimes lacking warmth: they sound like early SYNERGY ("Larry Fast") and Walter Carlos ("A Clockwork Orange Soundtrack"). Actually there are 2 keyboardists, so this record is keyboards oriented, despite the tons of complex bass and drums patterns involved. One can notice the talent of the guys on excellent piano parts. The lead singer has a friendly voice, the loud bass sounds like PFM, and it is very complex, so you should not be disappointed. The drums are very sophisticated, never the same. I shall not forget the presence of excellent electric and acoustic guitars, making the sound like GENTLE GIANT, especially on the majestic & epic "metamorphosis".

Always very structured, the tracks have no room for simplicity neither accessibility. Only real proggers will truly appreciate. The ensemble is usually nervous, dynamic, and surprisingly there are some outstanding floating passages through the dynamic patterns. What about song "Leave me alone"? Well, this beautiful song is "speed changing acoustic guitar and unbelievable vocals" oriented, and then an intense floating streams of keyboards enter and make, with a perfect moog like solo, a quintessential passage in the progressive rock history! Speaking of quintessence, one should notice couples of ones on the 2 next songs: "Nothing's the Same" and "Traccia 2". "Nothing's the Same" is one of the most progressive tracks ever recorded: so many rythm and melody changes, WOW! How impressive! Paradise, Nirvana and genius are in this song! But wait: the last song is one of their best: "Traccia 2": an extremely complex and symphonic masterpiece, REALLY reaching the quintessence! Beautiful, grand, complex, only made of pure keyboards and some drums! Notice the perfect passage between the 2 songs: the moog like keyboards slowing down, which give room to a poignant piano part!!! And now, unroll the red carpet: the ultimate song for the King is started: the King feels really touched by this song announcing his arrival: with a tear in his eyes, he proudly announces to his citizens: the war is over, and now let's celebrate the freedom: grape, fish, poultry, beer and wine are going to be served!