Norwegian band GAZPACHO was formed back in the mid 1990’s, and since they released their full length debut album “Bravo” back in 2003 they have developed into an increasingly more popular band nationally and internationally, steadily releasing new albums every other year or so. “Molok” is their most recent album, and was issued through noted UK label KScope in the fall of 2015.
One of the most striking features of the music crafted by Gazpacho are the vocals. While a lot is going on, the soaring, light toned lead vocals is an aspect of this band that makes an immediate impact, and that you do tend to focus on no matter what else is happening. Light toned, tender and frail, they add a distinct emotional laden punch to everything, more often than not with an underlying feeling of sadness and melancholia to them. And on occasion, they may soar up from the realms of the melancholic into the more jubilant as well. In terms of style, mood and delivery comparable to Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, but where the intense nervous feeling Yorke has a specialty replaced by control and associations to emotions of a more delicate and less haunting kind.
This is a vocal style that may fit music over a fairly wide spectrum. On “Molok” Gazpacho appears to hone in on moods and arrangement of a more delicate nature throughout, where sequences and interludes pairing off the vocals with a delicate singular piano and similar sparse arrangements are recurring features. Of the more elaborate arrangements and themes explored, the greater majority of them also tends to hone in on the frail and the delicate, with slow paced, dampened instrument details being the order of the day, occasionally settling in richer, firmer and at times majestic crescendos. The latter much more of a rare occurrence, and all the more effective as a dramatic feature due to that.
The use of instrument details with a foundation in folk music is something of an identity mark of this album. Careful violin details, plucked string instruments and acoustic guitars, percussion and drum patterns with a slight tribal feel at times. Just about never to the extent of the music as such coming across as folk-oriented, but used as an effect to, possibly, add a more Earthy touch to the compositions. That another key feature is delicate sounds with something of a cosmic feel to them adds an elegant contrast and depth to the material, and with the aforementioned vocals the end result can often be rather stunning. Careful lead and backing vocal details, as well as clever use of organ also adds something of a sacral mood to these creations at times, adding a further dimension to the material and the total album context. There’s also a token song that explores a more lively and vibrant landscape, Bela Kiss, where guest musician Stian Carstensen elevates the end result in a spectacular manner with his amazing accordion contribution.
“Molok” comes across as a highly sophisticated production on all levels. Those fond of multiple themes, ongoing developments and recurring features will get their needs catered for quite nicely, those who have a need for their music to be emotionally laden won’t find this album missing in that department either, and those fond of intently listening to an album to uncover gentle details and subtle nuances will have a field day as well. A relatively careful and gentle production, with a focus on subtle rather than dramatic effects, well made and executed on all levels. A strong album, easily recommended to those with a taste for sophisticated music in general, and perhaps in particular to those with an affection for music of this kind to be of a generally emotionally laden and melancholic nature.
My rating: 89/100
