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While we wait for their new album, Magic 8-Ball, due out at the end of October, here's Night by Gazpacho, from 2007. It's an excellent album from a band I wasn't familiar with and that immediately caught my eye upon first listen.
Although the name recalls the famous Andalusian dish Gazpacho, this is a Norwegian progressive rock band. Formed in Oslo in 1996 by Jon-Arne Vilbo and Thomas Andersen, along with Jan-Henrik Ohme (who were later joined by Mikael Krømer, Lars Erik Asp, and Kristian Torp), they rose to prominence as the supporting act on Marillion's tour, with whom they share a certain sound.
Night is a concept album composed of a single, long song divided into five parts and is considered their "atmospheric masterpiece." The album deals with reality and dreams and how they are intertwined in life.
An album sung in English by five artists, this version is spread across three sides of a double vinyl record with a silkscreened fourth side, for a total run time of approximately 54 minutes.
Dark tones, with extensive use of electronics, a modern progressive sound, with a very melodic voice and slow-paced, atmospheric songs, featuring both traditional and electronic instruments, stunning violins, and, on this album, even ethnic instruments.
An enveloping album, engaging from start to finish, with a great ability to emphasize without overdoing each song.
Moments of energy alternate with a soft, ambient mood. The guitar, both acoustic and electric, is beautiful. The rhythm section is very focused, with a beautiful bass. The piano often emphasizes the acoustic sections, especially when it introduces the guitar and its splendid arpeggios.
There's the complexity of dark prog, but also the influence of '80s and '90s pop-rock, with a sense of melancholy typical of Northern Prog and a search for sounds.
A beautiful album that I would definitely recommend to fans of prog and neo-prog, as well as those who appreciate high-quality pop-rock, both in performance and composition.
The Tracks
1. Dream of Stone (17:01)
2. Checkered Light Buildings (6:35)
3. Upside Down (9:41)
4. Valerie's Friend (6:29)
5. Massive Illusion (13:38)
Running Time: 53:24
The Lineup
- Jan-Henrik Ohme - lead vocals and backing vocals
- Thomas Andersen - piano, keyboards, programming, co-producer
- Jon-Arne Vilbo - acoustic guitar
- Mikael Krømer - violins, programming, co-producer
- Kristian Torp - bass
- Robert Johansen - drums and percussion
Featuring:
- Kristian Skedsmo - accordion, didgeridoo, mandolin, banjo, recorder and tin whistle
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