BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO

Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso's first album may not be perfect, but surely it's one of the most fascinating albums in progressive music, not just because of the great atmospheric music, but also thanks to Francesco di Giacomo's incredibly beautiful voice and singing.

The album consists basically of 3 long epics and 3 atmospheric pieces. Now, you may be shocked to learn that the flawed parts (well, it sounds bad, but they are great as well, just less well constructed) are the short pieces. I mean, "In Volo" is pretty atmospheric and a great way to start the album, but the background falsetto vocals are not exactly good. "Passaggio" is very cute, but the sound effects on it are too long for an already short track and "Traccia" is a lot better when played live. This said, these three pieces are pure gold.

The long epics are something totally unique. You may like Premiata Forneria Marconi more than Banco (I don't), but you have to admit that Banco is way more original and unique. For example "RIP (Requiescant In Pace)", which alternates a fast section to a slow one, sounds dramatic all the way through. The 16 minute long "Il Giardino del Mago" is also a great suite, composed by 4 distinct movements, my favourite of them is the fast "c'è chi ride e chi geme" because it sounds a bit like what they will do in the next album "Darwin", which in my opinion is even better!

My favourite one is, however, "Metamorfosi" (or "Metamorphosi" as it is written in some edictions). It's a 11 minutes composition which sounds a bit psychotic and disturbing but it's delightful even for this reason. I expecially love the main theme, the slow section near the end and the dramatic fast ending.

So 4 stars (it is really 4 and half stars. Not 5 because it's not 100% perfect. But let's say it is 97%), and a slap with a large trout to all of you prog lovers who hasn't got this yet. Go and get it! Now!!