DARWIN!

It's really a classic prog album which I have the remastered edition (2001). Looking this album in the context when it was released, it's definitely an excellent classic album! There is a blend of bluesy style as indicated by how the guitar is played like David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. I'm not in a position to comment which band came first with this kind of bluesy style but it seems like Pink Floyd first. It's not the whole style and nuance of "Darwin!" is similar with Pink Floyd - it's only the guitar style at the opening of the first track "L'Evoluzione" (13:57). The total music concept, approach and style of Banco is completely different with Pink Floyd. Based on my observation this album is more a symphonic prog than a psychedelic one.

The opening track "L'Evoluzione" (13:57) is truly a killer with great variety of styles from start to end. There are parts with memorable melodies and well balanced segments with complex arrangements - even it's combined with short drums solo. The vocal in Italian language is powerful and unique. I think Italian is one of the best prog languages - it sounds nice to my ears. All musicians play their parts wonderfully: classic organ, bass guitar, drums and guitars. I keep repeating this track one because I like it. The music sometimes reminds me to PFM.

All other tracks are also excellent in terms of composition, varied tempo as well as time signatures. Am not gonna review on track by track by track basis but by going through some tracks, you will get a full picture of the music of "Darwin!". The second track "La Conquista Della Posizione Eretta" (8:41) brings the music even much more wonderful with pulsating organ / piano work which reminds me to Keith Emerson even though in different style. The first verse of the song is truly rewarding and I doubt that you do not think that this is a great composition. Any prog ear would say that this is a great composition. More of half duration of this track is a great instrumental, and the vocal part enters at the ending part. Instead of symphonic, the band also inserts jazz style like it's demonstrated on some segments of track 3 "Danza Dei Grandi Rettili" (3:39).

Given the facts that many segments of this album have symphonic nature, it's actually a representation of the era where most prog music was revolving around this style. It's an excellent addition to any prog music collection with unique sound of Italian prog. Recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!