WALK THE NILE

You got to love how this album sounds, big pounding drums full of depth and attack, grinding Hammond organs wrenching out the eeriest possible sounds and a rumbling bass engaging in a twirling battle with the drums. These guys know how to interact musically and I wouldn't doubt a second to go and see them live in concert if I had the chance to do so. I'm sure they set the place on fire!

When it comes to the actual compositions, or rather improvisations, I'm less enthusiastic. The album is a great listen but it rarely leaves a lasting impression. The opener for instance translates ELP's Barbarian to a place 40 years further in time and it does that quite successfully, but it's still no match for the original. Also Hardcore and John Tinnick are two more short tracks that follow the same early ELP organ-heavy Gothic vibe. Great work.

Unfortunately, two of the longer pieces (Aviation and Habanera Rocket) quickly become a dull listen, despite the swinging drum and bass interaction. The endless organ jamming doesn't do it for me I guess. Walk the Nile on the other hand is magnificent and easily the album's highlight with its ominous spooky atmosphere. This song manages to maintain an unsettling tension for its full duration. The organ is remarkably more experimental and explorative here.

If we're talking modern power trios with drums, bass and then I'll have to place this album a level behind Guapo. The musical talent in the band is sure abundant, but they haven't managed to make their music satisfyingly memorable. I'm told the preceding album was stronger in that respect. Still, love that sound!