IO SONO NATO LIBERO

This is without a doubt BANCO at the top of their game. The production has greatly improved over their previous two albums. The lyrics, from what I'm able to determine, seem to have political overtones (but since I don't know Italian, I can't be sure what it's all about). The original LP (on Dischi Ricordi), which I happen to own, comes with a gimmick shaped cover and lyrics to all the songs (sadly the most commonly available CD reissue, on BMG/Ricordi, only has the lyrics to the first two songs).

This is without a doubt BANCO's most experimental album, you know that when you hear the opening cut, "Canto Nomade Per Un Prigioniero Politico". There are some strange passages using synthesizer and Eminent (string organ that sounds like a string synth), plus a part where the band goes in percussion overdrive, courtesy of non-members Silvana Aliotta and Bruno Perosa. Francesco "Mr. Chubbs" di Giacomo seems a bit less overbearing compared to previous albums, and this song proves it. "Non Mi Rompete" seems like the oddball piece as it's largely a straightforward, acoustic ballad, done in a rather sentimental style. It's back to being more experimental with "La Città Sottile". It starts off with piano and di Giacomo's big voice, eventually the band goes off the deep end with synthesizer experiments, while di Giacomo spouts out something or another (in Italian). "Dopo... Niente è Più Lo Stesso" is another lengthy piece, in which the piece goes through several changes and themes. Then you get "Traccia II" which is a classically-influenced instrumental piece that starts off with piano and ends with synthesizer.

There is no doubt about it, this is one of the finest albums BANCO has ever done, but be aware: I have often heard this referred to as one of the greatest prog albums ever, in my book that's a bit overexaggerated, but it's still a recommended album and must have.