IN SPITE OF HARRY'S TOENAIL

Often compared to Gentle Giant or VdGG, Gnidrolog really have a sound that's unique to them, which lurches from extremely avant-garde to surprisingly straightforward giddily across the course of this album. When they get experimental, they're more dissonant and chaotic than any of the bands they're usually compared to - there's something almost RIO-ish about the opening section of Long Live Man Dead, for example - but at the same time they're more than capable of straight-ahead rocking out, as on the outro to the title track. Certainly a diverse and rewarding band to listen to - "eclectic prog" is truly the best tag for them - though those expecting a symphonic-sounding band based on the oft-cited influences may be in for a surprise. Approach with an open mind.