IO SONO NATO LIBERO

This is the third and final part of their inspiring three album arc to start their career. Their debut album, follow up Darwin and this album form one of the most essential trilogies of all Italian rock.

Banco never really caught on in the States, which is unfortunate. The double keyboard attack of brothers Gianni and Vittorio Nocenzi are what got this band going and garnered much attention. But guitarist Marcello Torado was able to pull out the performance of his life on this record-giving the keyboard heavy and vaguely ELP influenced band a push into far more original territory. Drummer Pier Luigi Calderoni also gives a star turn on this record, which production wise is their finest to date.

The album starts with the epic 16 minute Canto Nomade Per Un Prigioniero Politico, showcasing all the bands talents in one place that has flickers of Genesis and PFM flowing through what at this point is a sound that can only be accurately described as 'the Banco sound. ' Singer Francesco Di Giacomo's distinctive vocals are also a highlight especially on the uncharacteristically catchy Italian melodies in Non Mi Rompete that ends side one.

Side two begins with some Emerson styled piano overlaying Renato D'Angelo's bass underpinnings in a song that is reminiscent of Le Orme. Complex symphonic arrangements and excellent synthesizer that shift to a spoken word section that is a break in tempo from their usual instrumental acrobatics. Song two is Dopo... Niente a Pia Lo Stesso, a return to the sprightly bucolic sound these guys excel at-this is another example of a band that transcends any Italian RPI labeling and is one of the best bands in 1970's prog. Vittorio is able to muster some very convincing flute lines from his synths as Di Giacomo sings over an elegant sounding lurching Italian Gentle Giant riff. Echoes of Yes sneak in here too from D'Angelo's bass. The Enid is also a reference point in the closing section of the album, Traccia II.

While some may debate this not coming up to the level of their first two, I can't say I'd easily agree. In some ways (recording quality being one, arrangements being another) this is their best and perhaps most varied effort of their career, but I'd have to say...all three of their original albums are insanely essential for all prog fans. But that's just me.

I recently found a first edition in the shaped cover to replace a recent reissue. I am surprised as to how good sounding these original Italian vinyl albums sound-far better than their 21st century reissues.

4.75 stars