Tick Tock is the fifth release from this Norwegian band and my first introduction to their music. The concept of the CD is based on the book "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine de Sain-Exupery. The book is about a long distance flight he took from Paris to Saigon in 1935; Sain-Exupery crashed in the desert many hours after take off.
The first time I listened to the CD I did not get much from it and was not impressed, but I gave it a few more listens and started to really enjoy it. I found I had to pay close attention to the lyrics and the atmosphere the band was creating in each song. When I did this the album started to make sense. You have to imagine crashing in the desert and walking out just to survive and what would go through your mind in the emptiness of the desert to fully appreciate the music. The band creates music with many subtle atmospheric changes, which help to develop the emotions of each part of the story. I found that the sound of the band to be in the same vein as bands like Muse, Porcupine Tree, Radiohead and Sigur-ros. The structure and the feel of the music reminded me a lot of the French band Pulsar, very grand and gripping.
Lead singer Jan-Henrik Ohme vocals are very strong throughout the CD and could be compared to a combination Mathew Bellamy (Muse) and Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace).
If you are looking for some progressive music with a lot of technical solos and time changes you will not find it here. What you get from Gazpacho and their latest Tick Tock are some very well crafted songs and one of the most emotionally strong CDs you will hear in a long time. It also has to be mentioned that the CD sound great, there is a lot of depth and layers to it (very good arranging and production). If you take the time to listen closely to Tick Tock you will be well rewarded.
Track Listing
1. Desert Flight
2-3. The Walk
4-6. Tick Tock
7. Winter is never
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