ROME INVASION

econd only to Britain’s own pioneering ground zero, the Italian prog rock scene in the early 70s was an undeniable epicentre for the entire genre. Despite the complex and often bewilderingly florid nature of their music, bands like Rome’s Banco del Mutuo Soccorso were genuine rock stars in Italy, performing in major venues and enjoying something approaching mainstream acceptance and acclaim. More than four decades on from that initial explosion, many of the Italian scene’s most significant players are still out there, reaping the rewards of longevity, and Banco (or BMS, as they refer to themselves) exhibit more vitality than most on their first album in 25 years, . As they prepare to unveil their new conceptual masterwork, speaks with founder member