Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso

Come in Un'Ultima Cena is the last "classic" Banco album. After an instrumental album with orchestra (Di Terra, 1978), the band would favor a more commercial approach throughout the 1980s. Also the last one to feature the classic lineup of Gianni Nocenzi, Vittorio Nocenzi, Renato d'Angelo, Rodolfo Maltese, Pierluigi Calderoni, and Francesco Di Giacomo (since the latter does not sing on Di Terra), this LP shows sings of breathlessness…

Darwin! will remain Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's masterpiece. This album, the band's second, is the proud equal of Premiata Forneria Marconi's Per Un Amico and Le Orme's Felona e Sorona in the Italian progressive rock hall of fame. In Darwin!, every promise made by Banco's eponymous debut was realized. Vittorio Nocenzi's writing has flourished into complex songs blending Italian songwriting, bel canto, and progressive rock. The arrival of guitarist Rodolfo Maltese crystallized the band's luxurious sound, all topped by Francesco Di Giacomo's operatic vocals. The majestic "L'Evoluzione" opens the album, providing some of the best moments ever recorded by this band (along with "Canto Nomade per un Prigioniero Politico")…

In 1975, the Italian progressive rock band Banco del Mutuo Soccorso released its first English LP after three Italian ones. Following the example of fellow progsters Premiata Forneria Marconi, they shortened their name to Banco and re-packaged a handful of tracks from their previous records with English vocals to put together an introductory package for the English-speaking world. But unlike PFM's Photos of Ghosts, Banco contained two new pieces, and the old ones had been completely re-recorded, some even re-written.

Banco's first three albums are heralded by prog fans for good reason, they contain some of the finest progressive music out there. This title gets far less attention which is a shame as the usual letdown in quality some bands have after their acclaimed period is not present here. This is a solid RPI title by any definition. This album is in some ways their most accomplished to date, featuring incredible arrangements and wonderful composition. Yes the long epics have been replaced by shorter pieces but they are very engaging. Blending classical and jazz influenced jamming into their usual complex dramatic stew, at first the album can be a bit overwhelming and less accessible. It may not grab you as immediately as the earlier albums, but give it time and it will…

The first thing that must be said about this album is that, despite of the release date, it is a collection of previously unreleased songs by the very first line-up of the band, which didn't include the wonderful voice of Francesco Di Giacomo. The lyrics are quite simple and so it's better to point the attention to the music that, although far from the complex textures of the first period albums, is very fine and includes some themes that had been developed in the following albums (the last notes of "E io Canto" are the main theme of "Non mi rompete" in "Io sono nato libero", the music of "E luce fu" later became the one of "Quando la buona gente dice" from "Come in un'ultima cena")…

This album is like hearing Frankie Goes to Hollywood or New Order. Not bad if you aren't into prog music and like the 80's. but please, it isn't for any prog lover who likes the 70's releases of BMS. You've been warned, this album has nothing to do with the 70's BMS, is another band. The same sad thing happened with Genesis in the 80's.

Darwin! will remain Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's masterpiece. This album, the band's second, is the proud equal of Premiata Forneria Marconi's Per Un Amico and Le Orme's Felona e Sorona in the Italian progressive rock hall of fame…

Darwin! will remain Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's masterpiece. This album, the band's second, is the proud equal of Premiata Forneria Marconi's Per Un Amico and Le Orme's Felona e Sorona in the Italian progressive rock hall of fame. In Darwin!, every promise made by Banco's eponymous debut was realized. Vittorio Nocenzi's writing has flourished into complex songs blending Italian songwriting, bel canto, and progressive rock…

Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection.
BMS are entering the zone of pure art rock with self-confidence.
The development of this amazing band - Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, is totally in touch with one of their main literal themes - the evolution…