SONNAR

È uno spettacolo, vero e proprio! I suspect NODO GORDIANO (Gordian Knot) is the child of multi-instrumentalist Andrea De Luca. When searching through the band history, which started sometime in the mid 1990's, he seems to be the sole constant. Focused on developing experimental rock music, partially close to the likes of some Rock Progressivo Italiano giants, and King Crimson as well. After Dusk for examples features some clear references. This compact disc is distributed by Lizard Records and comes with a fine packaging. Designed by drummer Davide Guidoni aka Dave Daal, quite new to the crew. He's obsessively, eh okay, let's say at least extensively using the cymbals, this needs getting used to. Whatever, Davide moreover manages some keyboard work too. All in all that's an impressive entry to the band, I would say.

'Mere fool! Mere poet!', the album's kick-of turns out to be a reference to Friedrich Nietzsche. This melancholic track shows Natalia Suvorina on the vocals for the first time. It's a fine accessible mid-tempo track, decorated with psychedelic tinged reverb guitar. Eh, so much for the first minutes though. The somewhat untamed behaviour vanishes over the course, making way for variation in tempo and mood. And that's the preview for the following flow in general. The label 'experimental' definitely fits, not only because they dare to add backward vocals for examples. Widen the boundaries is the motto here. The aforementioned extended After Dusk suite proves this as no other.

The lovely title track finishes this album, closes a melancholic circle. I'm impressed, so much different layers and impressions, takes time to capture everything. Some DAAL influence is unmistakable, but it's a rather unique affair for sure. Accessible melodic and avantgarde styled moments are alternating, jazzy elements here and there, the band Herd Of Instinct is similar in approach, I'd say. Regarding this production NODO GORDIANO won't make friends with every progressive rock fan, moreover surely though with those who are underway on eclectic and avantgarde paths most likely.