Search - Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso :: Darwin

Evolutionary Progressive Music

01/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This LP proved beyond doubt that Italian prog bands could be much more than derivatives from the UK bands like Genesis, Gentle Giant or Yes. The Banco del Mutuo Soccorso (or Banco, as everybody here in Italy calls them) was able to mix classical influences, electronic sound and astounding live performances. The gorgeous musical structures engineered by the musical minds of the band, the Nocenzi brothers (keyboards) were the background for the wonderful vocal performances of the singer, Di Giacomo, one of the greatest Italian voices ever. In case you like prog music, have enjoyed the likes of VDGG, Emerson, Lake & Palmer etc. and wish to try something a bit different, do try Darwin."

Only one of the greatest Italian prog albums

BENJAMIN MILER | Veneta, Oregon | 10/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Banco's second album is a real grower and is a totally amazing masterpiece of Italian prog. The album's production and music has improved over their debut, released earlier the same year as Darwin! in 1972. The synthesizers are much more present as well. The band continues on the same classically-influenced, duo keyboards from the Nocenzi brothers and the semi-operatic voice of Francesco di Giacomo. Darwin! is a concept album about evolution and the rejection of Creationism. Unlike the original LPs of their previous album and their following (Io Sono Nato Libero), which were issued in gimmick packaging, the original LP of Darwin! was issued in normal gatefold packaging. Anyway, the album opens up with "L'Evoluzione" which is totally amazing. It's the longest piece on the album, and it's stuffed with great themes and solos. Some of the passages reminds me a little of ELP, or even Gentle Giant, for that matter. The next cut, the largely instrumental "La Conquista Della Posizione Eretta" is totally stunning. The synth sound has gotta be heard to be believed, it just sounds so dramatic and big. This cut alone is what made Banco one of the greats of Italian prog. I am also reminded of "Metamorfosi" from their previous album, as it's structured similarly: as about three quarters of the cut consists of lengthy solos, then the end part ends with vocals, only I think the vocal section here works better than on "Metamorfosi". "Danza dei Grandi Rettili" is a instrumental jazzy piece, rather laid-back, sounding a little different from what I'm accustomed to from Banco. There's an amazing ballad, "750.000 Anni Fa... L'Amore" which is by far the best Banco ballad I ever heard. "Miserere Alla Storia" tends to have a rather sinister atmosphere, while the last cut, "Ed Ora Io Domando Tempo al Tempo Ed Egli Mi Risponde... Non Ne Ho!" has a rather carousel waltz-like feel that sounds very Italian. I like the use of harpsichord and reed organ on that cut. I took me a few more listens to appreciate than Io Sono Nato Libero, but in the end, I feel Darwin! is just as great and essential. This album is right up there with Museo Rosenbach's Zarathustra, Le Orme's Felona e Sorona, PFM's Per Un Amico, Osanna's Palepoli, Cervello's Melos, and of course Banco's Io Sono Nato Libero, as far as Italian prog goes, so if you enjoy Italian prog, Darwin! is absolutely essential!"

Darwin!

MMM | 02/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would not compare this album to the works of either Premiata Forneria Marconi or Le Orme. While PFM, a great group, is quite different in style, Le Orme's widely praised Felona e Sorona presents nothing extraordinary and the band itself is a pretty mediocre musical enterprise. Darwin is a masterpiece. Brilliant work, it's a step above the BMS's first eponymous album. The structure of the compositions is more complex and some influence of Gentle Giant can be seen in the rhythmical switches and melody turns. L'Evoluzione and La Conquista are certain favorites, but also listen to Cento Mani, Cento Occhi, it's an excellent piece. The balladic 750,000 Anni Fa is beautiful but too simplistic and rather atypical for them. Misere Alla Storia with sinister-sounding Di Giacomo is as close to Italian opera as it could be (in that part only), great track. The last piece, Ed Ora, in barrel-piano style creates atmosphere of last-century Italy as we know it from films. Their musical dexterity really shines throughout the entire album. Darwin and their third album are probably their best efforts."