Italian band NODO GORDIANO have a history that goes back to the early 1990’s, and since releasing their self-titled debut album in 1999 they have a grand total of four full length studio productions to their name. “Nous” is the most recent of these, and was issued through Italian label AMS Records in 2014.
Just where to place this band in a progressive rock context is something of a conundrum. This is a band that is undeniably progressive rock, they do have quite the eclectic approach to their game as well, but their variety of eclecticism is one geared towards being approachable and fairly compelling, rather than being of the more challenging variety more common among artists often described as being of an eclectic nature.
Keyboard arrangements is a key element throughout, with plenty of room for regular keyboards just as much as organ and Mellotron, and those fond of more futuristic sounds and the occasional cosmic laden effect will also encounter material to their liking here. While being a key element it is not the sole, as the alternating acoustic and electric guitars are just as important, where wandering acoustic motifs and darker toned, dampened riffs underscore nicely and effectively throughout, with a full range of guitar solo runs ranging from atmospheric dream-laden Camel style and a more haunting Floydian tinged expression and onwards to eerier Frippian-tinged excursions and occasional dips into some textured guitar displays of the kind that in a different context might have been described as post rock oriented. A firm bass guitar with tendencies towards a beefier, dominant sound is also a mainstay, as are drum patterns ranging from delicate rhythm details to more expressive in a Rush-like manner as well as occasional forays into slightly more jazz-tinged maneuvers.
Fans of bands like Camel, Rush and King Crimson will all find recognizable elements within one or more of the compositions at hand, and fairly often with some subtly psychedelic flavorings brought to the table as well. The songs as such flow quite nicely along, easy on the ears and the mind throughout, and while not lacking in quirky details and unexpected developments this isn’t a challenging production as such. Still, as instrumental sections dominate this production and the lead vocals used are Italian this will make the main audience for this album somewhat confined I guess. A well made effort that merits a spin by those with an interest in mainly instrumental progressive rock of a relatively accessible yet also an eclectic nature.
My rating: 74/100
