GAZPACHO: Soyuz (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Since finally his last opus did not destroy the universe (cf. the anguished conclusion of our review about "Molok"), Gazpacho decided to give it a follow-up, which is rather good news for the music world, and comes back with his tenth album, "Soyuz". Contrary to the two previous records, this one does not develop a concept, the titles being linked together only by the idea of the fleeting moments of happiness.

Each new album of Gazpacho divides the reviewers into two clans fiercely stuck on their positions: the unconditional admirers (of which the author of this review is usually a part) and the detractors who, even if they generally recognize in Gazpacho the art of know-how, find boring melodies that are generally slow, melancholic and drawing towards the atmospheric. "Soyuz" has little chance of reconciling them.

Because listening to the first tracks does not really upset the habits. One finds there all that seduces some and puts others to sleep: titles with calculated slowness, developing silky and sad melodies, a plaintive and emotional vocals and discreet instruments each bringing its precious contribution to the edifice. 'Soyuz One' is atmospheric, the too short 'Exit Suite' airy and timeless, 'Emperor Bespoke' majestic and medieval. Only 'Hypomania' surprises with its dynamic percussion, sharp guitars and a melody that Muse would not deny.

Things evolve and, to tell the truth, get a little bit spoiled halfway through the album. After two average tracks, the band gives us its epic, the confusing 'Soyuz Out'. Multiplying the themes, passing without stopping from dense moments to others very atmospheric, sometimes aggressive, sometimes very soft, not hesitating also to turn to slightly dissonant experimental tints, the title is not easily apprehended. Of course, this is often the goal of progressive rock, but despite its undeniable qualities, 'Soyuz Out' lacks a little something to catch the customer. The listener finds himself jostled around by all these changes, drifting in space in weightlessness without finding anything to hold on to. Poor in melody and empathy, the piece never really thrills the listener, due to a fuzzy construction and a lack of progression in the dramaturgy.

Even if 'Rappaccini', a requiem of modern times, ends the album on a more positive note, succeeding in bringing out in each measure the emotion that was hard to find in its predecessor, "Soyuz" proves to be much less intense than the previous Gazpacho releases, which at times loses the listener's attention through a lack of melody and memorable moments. Fortunately, there is still a great know-how and some very successful titles to have a good time nevertheless. - Official website

GAZPACHO

SOYUZ

KSCOPE

PROGRESSIVE ROCK