MISSA ATROPOS

I honestly had no preset expectations for Gazpacho's latest "Missa Atropos." It was meant to be a mass for the goddess Atropos, so how could I possibly know how what that is supposed to sound like?

When I first played Missa Atropos, I must say that nothing stood out, but as I kept at it, more and more started to reveal itself. This is not a casual album that plays well in the background; it won't try to overpower your lack of attention with the usual "hey, listen to me!" bombast. Missa Atropos doesn't need to - you need to overpower it with YOUR attention to unlock its secrets.

Once fed into a deserving sound system, and lavished it with the right volume and enjoying the right red wine, you will start realizing how truly exceptional this album really is. It's easily Gazpacho's most cohesive release; the production is immaculate, and all the instruments are perfectly blended. This is a band without egos that has hit their stride in terms of musical maturity and creativity.

Is this for everybody? No, because it takes work to delve into what is being presented here, because it's in the subtleties and shadows where this album shines brightly. Is this better than their masterpiece Night? Night is a different animal and it has some very obvious strengths, and plays better on the first listen. I do have to say that now that Missa Atropos has "clicked" with me I prefer its dramatic sense of self. Where Night is the musical equivalent of an impressionist painting, Missa is like a walk through clouds where objects only reveal themselves when you get up close and personal. When all is said and done, I think it's the best thing this band has ever done.

Bravo Gazpacho, for the music over the years, and thank you for Missa Atropos!