DARWIN!

Darwin! is an classic concept album dealing with evolution and some of the issues the theory presents. The styling is synonymous with 1970s Italian Progressive rock and in some opinions it defines all that is great about that sub-genre of prog. It is a highly rated album and a personal favourite that is only constrained by the limitations of musical creation at its time of release. Of special note is the highly effective and passionate keyboard work on a range of key laden devices but that is not to say that the other instruments are less than effective. They certainly aren't and I struggle to find any weakness across the band members and I really wouldn't want to single anyone out for criticism on this album because they wouldn't deserve it. This really does feel like a band who are playing for each other and perhaps that is why this albums stands head and shoulders above almost every other album in the sub-genre.

For me it is a real shame that we label Italian prog under a separate identity simply because it originates in that nation - this is quite a conceit from the dominating Anglo-Saxon prog community. In fact Banco can be heard dabbling in jazz- fusion as well as occasional Heavy prog sections and some more psychedelic and symphonic pieces as well. The thing they do well is to put it all together in a seamless smush that approaches perfection. I do find the very bold, in your face vocal style a little irksome but it is far preferrable to the quite similar, but with added warble from fellow Italian proggers, PFM. Overall we have a team of decent musicians working together to write and execute a fascinating foray into all corners of progs vast range of musical styles.

I can't say I follow the lyrics at all (my Italian is very rusty) but I do like to follow what the individual instruments are doing and I have to say there is some very complex layering going on that plays with mood provoking a range of thoughts but I suspect you really need to translate the lyrics to fully grasp what each section is trying to convey. It really isn't obvious what is intended in the context of evolution but if you just want to enjoy the progressive journey then this is an exceptional piece of work even without the narrative. I especially like the way that the piano switches from lead to rhythm and back again providing a framework for everything else.

The production balance is absolutely spot on but I would prefer if the vocals were turned down just a fraction and of course the sound clarity is indicative of a 70s work of art but it never slips over the line into that middle ground between good and unacceptable. The real star of the show here is the composer because the album as a whole progresses through hundreds of ideas and never gets dull. Since it is also interspersed with some absolutely classic sections that stick in your head after turning your brain to mush from an overdose of pleasure, this album is really hard to put down. Wonderful stuff - give me more. The album never becomes overly aggressive, steering clear of metals harsher traits and is always beautiful even when it becomes dissonant and so for a hugely progressive album it is surprisingly easy on the ear meaning that the non-prog fan might also enjoy some of this stuff. However I suspect that while this is fine dining to the prog community its complexities will be too much for the rest of the world. This one needs to be in your collection unless your progressive interests are limited to one of the more extreme sub-genres.

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