COME IN UN'ULTIMA CENA

I must admit, after their first three albums which are considered classics I was leary of this album, especially after purchasing their 1978 all-instrumental album, "di Terra". But for all you Banco fans who may not have this in their collection, take heart. It's ALMOST as good as their classics. What keeps it out of the running for 5-stars is the slightly subdued feeling and the fact that its a concept album based on the crucifixtion of Jesus Christ which tends to force them to adhere to a storyline. There are some incredible songs tho. The opener has a neat synth line that rolls nicely with Francesco's masterly voice rolling with it. "Il Ragno" has a Gentle Giant beat to it which shocked me. This is the first time I ever heard them sound like another band, but I will tell you it is absolutely awesome, my favorite track on the album...stunning! The track 'Slogan' has an industrial-sounding guitar slash thru the song with a flute playing under it in the beginning, then it forms an ELP-like beat. Excellent song! 'Si Dice Che I Delfini Parlino' is an agressive song, ala Kansas with the violin dueling with the keyboards and guitar for your attention then slows down with a horn playing while the master sings. A very modern sounding song which many Italian symphonic bands of this day and age might use as a template. 'Voila' Mida' has another Gentle Giant synth line beat. Another awesome track! 'La Notte E' Piena' is very pastoral, but not ballad-like. The album ends with a fantastic closer, 'Fino Alla Mia Porta' a classic Banco song that harkens to their early days. Two songs, 'E' Cosi Buono....' and 'Quanto la Buona Gente Dice' are the only songs that drag a bit. But overall the album is a stunner, not sounding dated whatsoever and is a peg lower than the classic first three. So pluck down some cash and buy this baby. You won't be disappointed!