Record Reviews

BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO ~ ORLANDO: LE FORME DELL`AMORE (LIMITED EDITION) SONY 196587265120 (Barcode: 196587265120) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by the iconic Italian Progressive Rock group Banco Del Mutuo SoccorsoFind albums by this artist, released three years after their previous album “TransiberianaFind albums with this title” and celebrating five decades of their musical activity, which started in 1972 with the release of their debut eponymous album. Fronted by the founding member, keyboardist / composer Vittorio NocenziFind albums by this artist, the group also includes lead guitarist Filippo MarcheggianiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Nicola Di GiàFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco CapoziFind albums by this artist, drummer Fabio MorescoFind albums by this artist and vocalist Tony D`AlessioFind albums by this artist. The album presents, as usual, a concept journey, this time based on the epic poem “Orlando Furioso” by Italian poet Ludovico AriostoFind albums by this artist, consisting of fifteen original songs, all by Vittorio Nocenzi and his son Michelangelo NocenziFind albums by this artist and lyricist Paolo LogliFind albums by this artist. The beautiful booklet contains the original Italian lyrics and the English translation. The music is classic Italian Progressive Rock, which faithfully continues the tradition of the genre from the 1970s, based on beautiful melodic themes, heartfelt vocals and excellent instrumental work with impressive solos. The entire album is perfectly balanced, coherent and emphasizes the Artistic / aesthetic approach to music, characteristic to the European modus operandi. With Progressive Rock being in decline, or deep coma, since decades, recording an album like this one is a very courageous act of putting one’s beliefs and convictions out in the open, against all odds. I can already hear the “critics” talking about this being outdated, nostalgia driven, irrelevant, etc. What nonsense… Personally I admire these musicians for the stamina and their ability to discard and ignore the fads and fashions of contemporary music, which are tragically empty of any Artistic flair. Great music is completely timeless, and it is perfectly logical to create music, which originates in concepts defined fifty years ago, as long as it offers aesthetic values and musical ideals, which stand the tides of time. The world driven by the insane obsession of constant change and instant gratification simply does not deserve great music. Overall, this is another Masterpiece by a legendary group, which withstands the madness of furious moving “forward” towards nowhere. Faithfully preserving the concept of Progressive Rock, as well the unique Italian sensitivity and centuries long musical tradition, this is an instant classic of the genre. The followers of Banco need no convincing of course, but hopefully some youngsters will discover this album in order to hear what true Prog is all about, and not the ersatz products being offered under this moniker.

Updated: 31/10/2022Posted: 27/10/2022

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