Panther & C.
Il Giusto Equilibrio

The Panther is an Italian band with strong new-prog influences, devoted to the classic symphonic sound of Genesis. The Panther hails from Genoa, a city that is increasingly proving to be a breeding ground for talent in the progressive realm, just think of Tempio delle Clessidre, Coscienza di Zeno, Segno del Comando, and all the projects headed by Fabio Zuffanti like Finisterre, Hostsonaten, and La Maschera di Cera. "Il Giusto Equilibrio" – this is the title of the album being reviewed – is actually their second work: the debut – "L’epoca di un latro" – highlighted the qualities of the band members formed by Mauro Serpe on vocals and flute – a new Peter Gabriel –, Alessandro La Corte on keyboards, devoted to the style and keyboard runs of Tony Banks, the incisive Ricardo Mazzarini on guitar, Folco Fedele on drums, and Giorgio Boleto on bass. The Panther demonstrates even in this album that they have many arrows in their quiver: the interplay between the musicians is perfect: the melodies are excellent, and the sound has matured. Besides the Genesis influence – listen in this sense to the initial ..."E continua ad essere...", a true tribute to Tony Banks, the influence of new-prog sounds also emerges, especially in the timbres of the keyboards. The compositions are of good quality and require some listening to be fully absorbed. There is a great focus on melody: the atmospheres are soft and calm. Perhaps the voice is not, as in the best tradition of Italian prog, the Panther's strong point. Nevertheless, tracks like the mentioned "...e continua ad essere...", the title track, the ethereal and instrumental "Fuga dal lago," and the concluding "L’occhio del gabbiano" testify to the value of the Panther. Highly recommended for fans of Genesis, classic symphonic, and new-prog.