Clock Unwound, segundo álbum do Gentle Knife, que expandiu seu line-up de dez para onze integrantes, é uma obra que brilha em várias passagens instrumentais, demonstrando uma clara evolução em sua sonoridade. A produção se destaca significativamente, com uma clareza e separação que permitem que todos os elementos encontrem seu espaço sem se tornarem uma confusão musical. Cada instrumento e voz ocupa seu lugar de maneira precisa, criando uma tapeçaria sonora rica.
O álbum começa com "Prelude: Incipit", uma faixa instrumental que estabelece um clima sombrio com acordes ameaçadores de piano e uma trombeta solitária, evocando a sensação de um apocalipse iminente. Essa introdução prepara o terreno para "The Clock Unwound", que inicia com uma levada influenciada por Steven Wilson. A música evolui para uma jornada sonora repleta de energia, com solos de guitarra vibrantes e passagens delicadas de flauta que trazem uma qualidade quase etérea. O retorno dos vocais complementa essa paisagem sonora e o final pomposo, liderado por um solo de sintetizador que amarra a faixa muito bem.
"Fade Away" é uma peça belíssima, começando suavemente com um Mellotron que conduz o ouvinte a uma seção mais intensa, onde moogs e saxofone se destacam. Essa faixa mostra o equilíbrio da banda no estúdio, oferecendo uma sensação orquestral rica nos arranjos. A mistura de tempos e estilos diferentes cria uma seção instrumental dinâmica e emocionante. A flauta, novamente, desempenha um papel central, capturando o tema da música que gira em torno da busca pelo que está perdido e irrecuperável. Os vocais masculinos e femininos se entrelaçam harmoniosamente, dando profundidade à narrativa lírica.
"Smother" continua a tradição de combinar letras e música de forma eficaz, explorando temas de derrota e perda, mesmo quando a vitória parecia iminente. O trabalho instrumental é novamente impressionante, com flauta e sintetizador complementando acordes melódicos de saxofone e órgão Hammond, enquanto a seção rítmica sustenta uma passagem variada que alterna entre jazz e rock de maneira fluida. "Plans Skew" se destaca como a faixa mais simples do álbum, quase uma balada. A introdução no violão é de uma beleza singela, construindo-se sobre um tema de perda que se desenrola de maneira narrativa, em vez de uma perspectiva de primeira pessoa. A banda demonstra sua habilidade em criar arranjos polifônicos, com guitarras, saxofones, flautas e teclados tecendo uma rica tapeçaria sonora.
Clock Unwound é um álbum emocionante, vibrante e repleto de um caos controlado. Com arranjos complexos e bem executados, as faixas são convidativas, confortantes e intrigantes. Um disco altamente recomendado para os amantes do gênero.
================================Clock Unwound, the second album by Gentle Knife, showcases a clear evolution in the band’s sound, now with an expanded lineup from ten to eleven members. The album shines in various instrumental passages, with a production quality that stands out remarkably, offering clarity and separation that allows every element to find its space without becoming a muddled mix. Each instrument and voice is precisely placed, creating a rich sonic tapestry.
The album begins with "Prelude: Incipit", an instrumental track that sets a dark tone with ominous piano chords and a solitary trumpet, evoking the feeling of an impending apocalypse. This introduction paves the way for "The Clock Unwound", which starts with a Steven Wilson-inspired groove. The track evolves into a dynamic journey, filled with energetic guitar solos and delicate flute passages that add an almost ethereal quality. The return of the vocals complements this soundscape, culminating in a grand finale led by a synthesizer solo that ties the piece together beautifully.
"Fade Away" is a stunning piece, starting softly with a Mellotron that guides the listener into a more intense section, where Moogs and saxophones take the spotlight. This track showcases the band’s balance in the studio, offering a rich orchestral feel in the arrangements. The blend of different tempos and styles creates a dynamic and exciting instrumental section. The flute, once again, plays a central role, capturing the theme of the song, which revolves around the search for something lost and irretrievable. Male and female vocals intertwine harmoniously, adding depth to the lyrical narrative.
"Smother" continues the tradition of effectively combining lyrics and music, exploring themes of defeat and loss, even when victory seemed within reach. The instrumental work is again impressive, with flute and synthesizer complementing melodic saxophone and Hammond organ chords, while the rhythm section supports a varied passage that flows smoothly between jazz and rock. "Plans Skew" stands out as the simplest track on the album, almost a ballad. The acoustic guitar introduction is beautifully simple, building on a theme of loss that unfolds narratively rather than from a first-person perspective. The band demonstrates its skill in creating polyphonic arrangements, with guitars, saxophones, flutes, and keyboards weaving a rich sonic tapestry.
The album closes with "Resignation", a track that is narrated rather than sung, where a weary soul expresses its surrender in a universal representation of depression and loss. The music oscillates between a sepulchral atmosphere and more uplifting moments, with guitars and organ leading the more intense passages before returning to a slower, more somber state. The ending, with Brian M. Talgo’s haunting recitation and the unsettling arrangements, leaves a lasting impression.
Clock Unwound is an emotional, vibrant album filled with controlled chaos. With complex and well-executed arrangements, the tracks are inviting, comforting, and intriguing. A highly recommended album for genre enthusiasts.
NOTA: 7/10
1. Prelude: Incipit (3:21)
2. The Clock Unwound (15:56)
3. Fade Away (7:23)
4. Smother (8:48)
5. Plans Askew (9:21)
6. Resignation (10:16)
Ouça, "Resignation"
Clock Unwound, the second album by Gentle Knife, showcases a clear evolution in the band’s sound, now with an expanded lineup from ten to eleven members. The album shines in various instrumental passages, with a production quality that stands out remarkably, offering clarity and separation that allows every element to find its space without becoming a muddled mix. Each instrument and voice is precisely placed, creating a rich sonic tapestry.
The album begins with "Prelude: Incipit", an instrumental track that sets a dark tone with ominous piano chords and a solitary trumpet, evoking the feeling of an impending apocalypse. This introduction paves the way for "The Clock Unwound", which starts with a Steven Wilson-inspired groove. The track evolves into a dynamic journey, filled with energetic guitar solos and delicate flute passages that add an almost ethereal quality. The return of the vocals complements this soundscape, culminating in a grand finale led by a synthesizer solo that ties the piece together beautifully.
"Fade Away" is a stunning piece, starting softly with a Mellotron that guides the listener into a more intense section, where Moogs and saxophones take the spotlight. This track showcases the band’s balance in the studio, offering a rich orchestral feel in the arrangements. The blend of different tempos and styles creates a dynamic and exciting instrumental section. The flute, once again, plays a central role, capturing the theme of the song, which revolves around the search for something lost and irretrievable. Male and female vocals intertwine harmoniously, adding depth to the lyrical narrative.
"Smother" continues the tradition of effectively combining lyrics and music, exploring themes of defeat and loss, even when victory seemed within reach. The instrumental work is again impressive, with flute and synthesizer complementing melodic saxophone and Hammond organ chords, while the rhythm section supports a varied passage that flows smoothly between jazz and rock. "Plans Skew" stands out as the simplest track on the album, almost a ballad. The acoustic guitar introduction is beautifully simple, building on a theme of loss that unfolds narratively rather than from a first-person perspective. The band demonstrates its skill in creating polyphonic arrangements, with guitars, saxophones, flutes, and keyboards weaving a rich sonic tapestry.
The album closes with "Resignation", a track that is narrated rather than sung, where a weary soul expresses its surrender in a universal representation of depression and loss. The music oscillates between a sepulchral atmosphere and more uplifting moments, with guitars and organ leading the more intense passages before returning to a slower, more somber state. The ending, with Brian M. Talgo’s haunting recitation and the unsettling arrangements, leaves a lasting impression.
Clock Unwound is an emotional, vibrant album filled with controlled chaos. With complex and well-executed arrangements, the tracks are inviting, comforting, and intriguing. A highly recommended album for genre enthusiasts.
NOTA: 7/10
1. Prelude: Incipit (3:21)
2. The Clock Unwound (15:56)
3. Fade Away (7:23)
4. Smother (8:48)
5. Plans Askew (9:21)
6. Resignation (10:16)
Ouça, "Resignation"
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