BRAVO

Following an extended EP taster, Norwegians Gazpacho released this their first album in 2003. Most of the tracks from the EP ("Get it while it's cold") were remixed and/or remastered and included on the album.

The band's music draws in influences ranging from RADIOHEAD and MUSE to the softer side of Hogarth era MARILLION (they have supported Marillion on tour and are now signed to their label). The music is not particularly complex, with any semblance of neo- prog being brief and superficial. There are no extended instrumentals or even solos, the album being very vocal with distinct pop overtones. The underlying progressive influences however make the music difficult to categorise. The atmosphere is generally understated sometimes sounding like JAPAN attempting to rock out a bit.

"Sea of Tranquillity" has a very effective quivering vocal by Jan H. Ohme a fine singer by any standard. On tracks such as "Sun god", and "Ease your mind" there are real similarities with the more melodic side of Radiohead, such as on their "Nice dream" and "The tourist". "Ease your mind" benefits from a generally more progressive structure and feel, all the while retaining the strong melodies which characterise the album. The band occasionally reveal their harder side, such as on "Mesmer" which features distorted vocals and a very powerful bass line. Here there are echoes of U2's darker side.

The strange title "Novgorod" disguises a highly poetic lyric describing a rather disturbing tale. The closing (title track) appears to be following the template of the album as a whole, until a Celtic section pops up midway, out of place but effective.

In all, a fine debut album which shows Gazpacho to be a highly competent outfit, both in terms of composition and performance. The fact that album was almost entirely developed by the band and their "friends" without any major backing is testimony to their significant potential.

The entire album is currently available to sample via the band's website on a limited play or purchase basis. Good move calling the band Gazpacho too, instead of the English translation "Cold soup".

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