NIGHT

Gazpacho is a relatively new Contemporary Progressive Rock group coming from Norway, presumably named after the delicious Spanish spicy soup. Quite a few progressive rock fans got acquainted with this promising ensemble owing to their presence as a supporting act for the definitive neo-proggers Marillion during their tour. Coincidentally, the latter also have a track sharing the name of their Norwegian colleagues' creation, which could be another possible source of inspiration, especially seeing as how the two do indeed share some aspects of their sound in common.

The 2007 release Night can be seen as the group's most ambitious effort yet, in addition to being one that would attract a myriad of progressive hordes with its appealing elements and an extremely adventurous approach to songwriting. What separates the release from its predecessors is that it is a concept album based around reality, dreams and the manner the two are interwoven. Although the album consists of five tracks of formidable length, Night is essentially a single epic composition formed by a greater amount of fragments than it is presented on the record for our convenience.

The record surely deserves more than a single listen to be appreciated truly, however, one will know whether this will appeal to him or not, as it is 'that kind of music'. As banal as the phrase 'don't try to get it, feel it may sound, this is the type of music that you will have memorized owing to the feelings experienced during the listening session, rather than its melodies (although one will admit to remembering more than a plenty of nuances after subsequent listens). The concept obviously allows many emotions to be implemented in the album, and the group more than just succeeds here. The compositions flow comfortably, in a way similar to the way post-rock compositions tend to progress, and are a pleasure to follow with your senses. The delicate and ethereal moods are very well complemented with Jan Henrik Ohme's expressive voice and the tasteful, appropriately used instrumentation. Orchestral fragments, found in the opening and closing tracks, are no less fitting.

Although one could say that Gazpacho are quite similar to Radiohead (partly due to the ambiances they create, followed by Ohme's deep vocals) or that they are in the league of their own, adding that devotees of music along the lines of Porcupine Tree, Pure Reason Revolution, Marillion, later era Anathema and Novembre would all find something for themselves here, however, to this reviewer's mind it all comes down to this: Night is a successful, sincere creation by a promising group and needless to say it should be compelling to a sentimental intelligent progressive listener.

One of the 2007 releases that definitely deserve to be heard!

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