NODO GORDIANO

Gordian Knots in Italian. These guys made one sole album so far (I bought it as it came out) and I was hoping for more, because the debut , however imperfect, holds many promises. The line-up is your standard prog quartet (guit + KB + rythm section) but the little bonus is that the Kbdist also gets in some saxes.

The album contains two instrumental epics both placed early on the album and the musicianship is impressive although I feel that they are going through the motions without adding too much personality. Only one track has vocals (The Conformist) and this is IMHO the better track on the album although the start Istambul Blues is quite strong also.

Nodo Gordiano is a typical modern italian prog band and this album should please all amateurs of the genre.

Excellent debut, with a touch of experimental and metaphisical elements. The cover, a De Chirico painting, fits perfectly most of the magmatic content. Long instrumental pieces, Pvtrus and Gordio, built around outstanding bass lines, often on the psychedelci side and a shorter number, Espresso, a final feu d'artifice. Only a sung piece in Italian, very dark and impressive. Musicianship at the best here, great b&d. A sort of improvisational air all around but very inspired, only the solos are sometimes a bit uninspired. Great and unknown.

This is the debut by this contemporary Italian group. The music is rather dark instrumental (one track with vocals) progressive. Especially the guitar work is very gloomy and the very good use of saxophone ads nice mysticism. The bass work of Andrea de Luca often stands out and overall the rhythm section is very hectic. Not really the most typical Italian progressive. The band as an influence that comes to my mind is King Crimson. Still, the band doesn't really sound exactly like KC. I much prefer the style of Nodo Gordiano over KC. It is quite strictly rooted in the seventies (never a bad thing) and it has sort of a jamming feel at times. I get a feeling of free improvisation in some parts when I listen tothis album. This is an excellent and creative work that has grown up on me with each listen.

The album opens with "Pvtrvs", compositionally one of the strongest tracks. On the second track "Cinque" it turns a little jazzy and free with some nice bass and drum work before turning into a calm mood again. The 3rd track "il Conformista", the only one with vocals, is one of the strongest. The rest of the remaining tracks are very good as well.

A new album Alea should be soon out. The band has reduced into a trio on this album and bassist Andrea de Luca remains the only original member.

Conclusion: An excellent crimson influenced album but not a masterpiece!