NIGHT

Gazpacho has a sound that is pretty unique. The closest band I can think of to compare them to is Porcupine Tree; but that is more in terms of the way that the music works on me, than the way it sounds or makes me feel.

The music here is definitely atmospheric. Contrast is used to great effect (listen to the build up on "checkered light buildings" as a perfect example, where vocals and piano slowly build into an explosion of electric guitar, driving drums, and epic strings, which then has acoustic guitars and more strings added on top before the vocals return hauntingly). The band makes use of each of their instruments, but they are never just "there"; when an instrument is being played, it has something to say.

That being said, instead of being melodic, this music is atmospheric. And while some melodies will stick to the memory after listening, it is always the way that the music makes one feel that makes this album such a rousing success.

It is hard to tell one track from the next. They flow into each other completely naturally, without any feeling of being forced. And while certain themes remain only within certain tracks (such as the "How small is your life?" chorus in Valerie's Friend), each of them has enough different themes that you could imagine the tracks being broken down even smaller if you wanted to. But truthfully, I can't imagine the tracks on this album sounding as strong without the context of the album. It is the way that ideas flow into each other; the road of emotions that the band takes you on that give this album its cohesiveness.

The instrumental work on this album is excellent. It is never dull, and always works perfectly within the context of the music and the lyrics. The singing is also great, in a style that is perhaps somewhat similar to that of Radiohead, although I find that I prefer Gazpacho. The singer has a bit more strength and power behind his vocals, I think.

The album ends beautifully, with an almost classical feel to it (in fact, I had to listen to some classical music after hearing this album the first time to get it out of my system). I find myself wishing that it would go on a bit longer, because it is such a beautiful album, but unfortunately, all things must come to an end, and I am forced instead to hit "play" a second time.