MO.DO. ‎– La Scimmia Sulla Schiena Del Re (1980, CD, Italy)

This Italian symphonic prog band had the misfortune of starting out at a time when prog bands were being ousted by punk with a vengeance. In 1978, former DALTON drummer Walter Locatelli had got together with guitarist Stefano Barzaghi, bassist Roberto Calleoni, keyboardist/vocalist Gian Antonio Merisio and guitarist/flutist/vocalist Valerio Cherubini to form MO.DO. In 1980, they released an album whose limited distribution, coupled with the lack of interest from the media, precipitated the band's demise.
"La Scimmia Sulla Schiena Del Re", which has since been reissued on CD by Mellow Records, is a very decent symphonic prog album featuring mostly guitars and keyboards with an emphasis on the flute; the few sparse vocals are sung in Italian. Stylistically, it seems to display two personalities: when the flute, acoustic and soft electric guitar prevail, you'll be thinking of your typical smooth, classic Italian prog band; when clanging guitars, aggressive organ and odd-time signatures take over, you'll more likely be reminded of GENTLE GIANT.

Not absolutely essential but could be of interest to fans of PFM, BANCO, LOCANDA DELLE FATE, GENFUOCO.