NIGHT

First of all I want to thank Prog Reviewer "evenless" for sending me (in Canada) this cd all the way from the Netherlands. Unfortunately for me GAZPACHO's music is very difficult to find over here right now, and so it mean't a lot to receive this highly acclaimed cd. As the band says : " "Night" is a musical description of a dream or a stream of consciousness".So it is a concept album and when you hear the music it's not surprising that the subject matter is about dreaming as the music itself is very dreamy and floating. What we are treated to are slowly building and haunting soundscapes with a Post-Rock feel at times.The mood is often quite emotional and while RADIOHEAD came to mind first I was also reminded of SIGUR ROS, BAUER and FRAKTAL.

As "Dream Of Stone" starts to play you can hear the sounds rise quietly out of the silence. This is very atmospheric and drifting music that slowly builds, including the vocals.The slowly beating drums are mesmerizing and I swear I hear mellotron. There are mournful violin sounds with piano melodies later in the song. It actually gets quite heavy 15 minutes in with some great guitar as the drums pound away. "Chequered Light Buildings" opens with tender vocals and slowly played piano as they gradually grow louder including the tension until it all builds to a climax.

"Upside Down" is my favourite track. It has a good steady beat with piano and acoustic guitar. What I really like are the vocal arrangements on this one. Nice. More violin and piano before this one is over. "Valerie's Friend" becomes almost happy sounding. Gasp ! Powerful middle section with a terrific guitar solo and the song ends with violin. "Massive Illusion" has a slow atmospheric beginning. They start clapping to the beat at one point. Nice organ work and the guitar 8 minutes in is really good. More mournful violin to end it.

4.5 stars for this emotional and haunting record. Highly recommended.