FLEKTOGON

Nodo Godiano project was founded in early 1994 and made their live debut in late 1994, playing basically Genesis and King Crimson covers. And later as support-act even gigs with John Wetton, performing King Crimson covers. In 1998 the band collaborates with Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso (playing also live with Francesco Di Giacomo and Rodolfo Maltese), appears on national TV networks, plays live extensively and performs on several Alternative Rock Festivals. In 1999 Nodo Giordano released their eponymous debut CD but in 2004 the band completed a new line up, with the arrival of keyboardist Gianluca Cottarelli. One year later the band released their second effort entitled Alea, in 2009 their third Flektogon and in 2014 their swansong (?) Nous. This review is about their third album.

Well, the name of King Crimson frequently appears in the abovementioned story so it's logical that the spirit of this Classic Progrock legend reigns over this album. In almost every track I notice strong hints of King Crimson: from the heavy, compelling and hypnotizing atmospheres with a very propulsive rhythm-section (close to Wetton-Bruford) and razor-sharp or repetitive guitar work (in the tradition of Fripp) to Jamie Muir inspired percussion experiments (Ozymandias Part I + II) or screamy saxophone play. But Nodo Gordiano turns out to be more than a King Crimson clone, just listen to the high-pitched female opera-like vocals in Theatro Di Memoria, the intro with the choir strongly evokes PFM's The World Became The World. And the ethnic (India) intro, the electronic and 'sound collage' interludes and the dreamy flute in the magnum opus Avventure Di Mastarna. To me this long composition sounds like a jam- session of 30 minutes, from mellow to 'organized chaos', in the best tradition of King Crimson.

So after several listening sessions I conclude that Nodo Gordiano has very interesting compositional skills. But I am sure this kind of progrock will not be everybody's cup of tea. But I recommend this album to the King Crimson fans and those progheads who are searching for adventurous progrock.

My rating: 3,5 star.