IO SONO NATO LIBERO

BANCO sound nothing like PFM in my opinion. Perhaps the odd snippet on this album is a little like some of ELP's music, but I really don't see much overlap and I cannot say with certainty "If you like PFM or ELP then you'll like this". Banco are a different kettle of fish.

This album's tracks include some simple musical themes which are not melodic (but that does not make them bad), whilst other parts are more melodic. There are several parts with complex themes using a mix of instruments which reward careful listening. The inclusion of organ, piano, synthesizer and spinet is pleasing: these instruments don't overwhelm the music but are used liberally throughout and are integral to the music. Acoustic guitar also plays an important role in some places, to good effect.

Francesco Di Giamcomo's voice is certainly powerful, but is not raucous. But he does sound more like he should be singing opera than rock.

In my opinion BANCO sometimes sound a little like LE ORME but are often less melodic and have more variation in tempo and themes within tracks. You really need to listen to the album several times to appreciate just how good it is - and it really is very good.