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COSMIC NOMADS

Heavy Prog • Australia


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Cosmic Nomads biography
COSMIC NOMADS are a 5-piece progressive rock band based in Melbourne, Australia. They were originally formed in Sydney in 2003 by Hammond organist, singer and main songwriter Ray Vanderby, who in 1991 won the WROC/BMG Australian National Songwriting competition. The band grew out of Dutch-born Vanderby's love of classical music and the English progressive rock sound of the Seventies. Their first line-up was Sydney-based, but when Vanderby moved to Melbourne, he picked four local musicians to complete the current line-up.

COSMIC NOMADS released their debut album 'Make Love Not War' in 2004, its follow-up 'Vultress' in 2007 and their third album 'Millennium', rich in folk and classical music influences, in 2008. When playing live, they are augmented by 2 female backing vocalists, making them a 7-piece.

Raffaella Berry (Raff)

Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com:
Tackling very timely, sensitive issues in their lyrics, COSMIC NOMADS are a modern band with a timeless, powerful Hammond organ sound and plenty of classical influences.

Discography:
Make Love Not War (2004 - studio album)
Vultress (2007 - studio album)
Millennium (2008 - studio album)

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COSMIC NOMADS discography


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COSMIC NOMADS top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.04 | 8 ratings
Make Love Not War
2004
3.31 | 29 ratings
Vultress
2007
3.89 | 23 ratings
Millennium
2008
3.29 | 7 ratings
Damage
2012

COSMIC NOMADS Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

COSMIC NOMADS Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

COSMIC NOMADS Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

COSMIC NOMADS Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

COSMIC NOMADS Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Vultress by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.31 | 29 ratings

BUY
Vultress
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars When taking about this Australian band, we are talking about Ray Vanderby, the man who set up Cosmic Nomads in Sydney in 2003.Vanderby is the main composer, organist and singer of the band, which changed no less than 8 members during the early years.After the ''Make love not war'' album (2004) and the 2005 EP ''Dreamin' about you'', both released on Vanderby's own Majique Music label, the man took the whole thing to Melbourne and Cosmic Nomads received a serious lifting.Vanderby was now collaborating with 'King' Con Patogiannis (guitar, vocals), Geoff Brown (bass), Gina Woods (Wurlitzer piano, synths), Anni Lang (percussion, vocals) and Miam Lentini (drums).This line-up recorded the second album of the band ''Vultress'', released in 2007.

Cosmic Nomads and Vanderby appear to be full-blown lovers of early-70's Psychedelic and Progressive Rock with a sound flirting with the fundamentals of URIAH HEEP (groovy parts), QUATERMASS (more bluesy organ-smashed numbers) and BRIAN AUGER's tendency towards Fusion paths.As a result the majority of the displayed tracks are based on rhythmic tunes, full of Hammond organ parts, solid drumming and occasional guitar moves with poetic vocals and some humourous touches.Bombastic organ torturing, psychedelic solos and clean multi-parted vocals combine for a musicianship, which passes from groovy Rock to Prog to Jazz-Fusion.The music is mostly fast-paced with strecthed instrumental masturbations, but also a very positive and rockin' vibe, making the listener tapping his foot over the pleasant rhythmic parts.Reputedly Vanderby was also a fan of Classical Music, but there is little of such an influence in this album, which is dominated by a Heavy/Psych Rock mood with organ in the forefront and an overall joyful atmosphere.

Maybe a file next to NIACIN, albeit in a less jazzy version.Pop vocals, monster organ waves and attractive rhythms in a blend of vintage sounds.Recommended.

 Millennium by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2008
3.89 | 23 ratings

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Millennium
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Cosmic Nomads from Australia capture my attention few years back when I first discover their second album Vultress. It was a nice heavy prog release with catchy playing and intresting arrangements. Now I've reached to the third album from their catalogue named Millennium released in 2008. Well this is it, heavy prog of the highest calibre. The head of the band Ray Vanderby responsable for keyboards and vocals done a great job here. As other reviewers observe on this album, Vanderby take themes from classical composers as Bach for example and melted in Cosmic Nomads tradition, the result is retty great. The opening Millennium Toccata is absolutely killer, heavy organs, plenty of hammond interludes, nice guitars all melted with classical influences. Another highlights are Global Heat and Where the Lions Weep, both very much in Uriah Heep or Atomic Rooster tradition with almost ELP keyboards characteristics. All in all a quite underrated band to larger public, both Vultress and this album worth to be investigated if you like heavy prog with hammond all over the place. For me 4 stars easy.

 Vultress by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.31 | 29 ratings

BUY
Vultress
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Cosmic Nomads is an australian band led by organist, singer and main songwriter Ray Vanderby. This album Vultress is their second releas from 2007. At first listning i had the impression i listen to some rock and roll band with keyes added, and a voice a la Roy Orbison in places, but after 4 spins became to grow on me and now is a good but non essential album in my opinion. Not much to add just that Cosmic Nomads are a fun band, with upbeat pieces and is a pleasure to listen to them from time to time, not very complicated music. The best tracks are the opening one Another world - is a keyboar fest and Journey Of Trelucabeth's Dream/Escape Through The Mews, the rest are ok. Well 3 strs i think is the fair rate. Pleasent album and the cover art is quite strange.
 Millennium by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2008
3.89 | 23 ratings

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Millennium
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by bhikkhu
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Whereas "Vultress" was all about the rock, "Millennium" is a tribute to the classics. Ray Vanderby and crew have taken themes by Bach, Grieg, and Debussy, and given them a Cosmic Nomads makeover. Much like their first album, this has a bit of heavier feel than "Vultress," but it is every bit as fun. I never thought I would find myself rocking out to Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," but this version does just that. Now, it's not just a straight reworking. They blend the classical tunes into their own original compositions. This is the case on "Trolltog" and "The Engulfed Forest" as well.

The bulk of "Millennium" is original material, but the classical themes pop up, and a good part of the album holds the classical influence. Most of all, it rocks. Even in the more serious moments, the musicianship is masterful. "Global Heat" is a metal guitar and keyboard extravaganza that would make Keith Emerson jealous. They also hold on to that cosmic vibe. "Obey the Universe" is right out of the hippie rock playbook. "Where the Lions Weep" is that Purple/Atomic/Quatermass style that I so enjoyed before. They even provide a great heavy rock ballad with "Road to Heaven."

I am glad Cosmic Nomads decided not to rest on previous success. They took a different tack, but remained true to their sound. "Vultress" was fun with old style Hammond rock. This is too, except this time it's Hammond rock fun with the classics. It may not be as whimsical, but there is no drop in level of enjoyment. I think the band has improved as well. Not that they weren't good before, but the playing on "Millennium" is simply outstanding. This album brings Cosmic Nomads out of great novelty territory, into the realm of respected prog act.

H.T. Riekels

 Make Love Not War by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.04 | 8 ratings

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Make Love Not War
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by bhikkhu
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Had I heard "Make Love Not War" before "Vultress," I may not have explored this group any further. It's solid rock, and the Hammond organ is very present, but they hadn't quite found that spark yet. This album also resonates more with modern metal, than the direct emulation of the likes of Deep Purple, Atomic Rooster, and Quatermass they would later find. Most of it is pretty straightforward, and not especially inspired. There are some quality tracks. Cosmic Child, and Calling Mr. Spaceman are definite highlights, and are more like what the Cosmic Nomads sound would develop into. This is also probably why extended versions of these tracks are featured on the CD as hidden tracks. H.E.L.P. is a fun little oddity, featuring robotic, electronically enhanced vocals.

I guess my biggest problem is that most of the tracks are just lacking any real spark of originality, save for Ray Vanderby's signature, melancholic, almost off-key vocals. The lyrics are cosmic, and hippy-like, but the music didn't have that sense of fun at this point. Now, "Millennium" may have moved them into a more serious direction than "Vultress," but they still sound like they are having a blast with it. This isn't the case here. Oh well, it is a debut. They would get better. No, make that a lot better.

If you are curious, check it out, but I don't really think it is necessary. "Vultress" exists, so you might as well start there. Cosmic Nomads have leaped way ahead of their humble beginnings.

H.T. Riekels

 Vultress by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.31 | 29 ratings

BUY
Vultress
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by bhikkhu
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Man, whatever happened to all that great, bluesy, organ heavy music from the early '70s? Apparently, a group of guys from Australia were asking themselves the same question a few years back. COSMIC NOMADS have resurrected the beast, and make no apologies for it. It may sound dated in style, but they have added a few twists.

Their latest release, "Vultress," is an absolute pleasure. It's a foot tapping organ fest. At a glance, it may not seem like prog. "Wait, I can almost dance to this." you may say to yourself. But digging a bit deeper, the complexity can be found. However, this does not change the fact that this could be the most head-boppin' prog I have ever heard. It's blues based, and rhythmic. The guitars crunch, and the bass churns. There is also a nice sense of humor involved. I get the feeling that they are Mike Patton Fans (just listen to "Elephant in My Soup").

If you miss the glory days of Deep Purple, Atomic Rooster, and Quatermass, this is definitely for you. If you just want some fun, rockin' prog, this is also for you. I love this album, and I encourage everyone to check it out.

H.T. Riekels

 Vultress by COSMIC NOMADS album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.31 | 29 ratings

BUY
Vultress
Cosmic Nomads Heavy Prog

Review by chopper
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Definitely one for Hammond fans, this one! Led by organist, singer and main songwriter Ray Vanderby, this is an album heavy on the Atomic Rooster, Nice and less bombastic ELP influences. Opening track "Another World" starts off with a pulsating keyboard riff and is a good uptempo opener. This leads us into "No More Heartaches" which starts off sounding like ELP before settling into a heavy plodding rhythm which is very reminiscent of early 1960s underground/prog. "Elephant in my Soup" lightens things up a bit with its "boop boop de boop" backing vocals, sounding a bit like The Nice complete with suspect lyrics ("How he loves the rain like tears from heaven, How he loves the rain more than sliced devon") . "Escape Through the Mews" throws in some electric piano to break things up a bit, although again the lyrics a bit lacking in the correct English department ("Well they might be a millionaire, They might be a thief") . "Return of the Vultress" is the epic 10 minute track here, again showing early ELP influences. It even manages to throw in a short drum solo. "We Are Lemurians" wraps things up (sorry, I don't know what a Lumerian is).

Obviously with a band so heavily based on the Hammond, there will be comparisons with other similar bands such as those already mentioned, but the songs are good as are the performances and the production, which is modern yet retro at the same time, is just right. My main criticism, as with a number of other new bands, is that the vocals lack character. Overall, a very enjoyable CD, highly recommended for Hammond fans!

Thanks to Raff for the artist addition.

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