Search - Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso :: Darwin

The start of a long love affair with Italian progressive roc

GrandWazoo94 | New York City, NY | 05/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I still remember the day my brother's friend, owner of an excellent music store in Ottawa, ON, gave me a copy of Darwin based on my love of neo-progressive bands such as Marillion, Pendragon, Jadis, IQ, etc. Those bands I now consider "gateway" bands to the older symphonic marvels of Italian prog rock in the early to mid 1970s. I was immediatelt struck by Banco's intensity of songwriting and finesse of the muscianship. The twin keyboard set-up gives the music a richness and color that paints the album from beginning to end. Branching out from the obvious symphonic prog touchpoints, this album also features some jazz and folk influences, particularly in the guitar, all the while maintaining a distinct Italian identity. The soaring vocals can easily be linked to the classical / operatic tradition, but the phrasing and emotion give the singing a strong rock edge. Hard-charging, with moments of quiet, jazz-influenced brilliance, this is a great introduction to one of prog rock's finest."