Prepare yourself for an experience that’s simultaneously otherworldly and assaultive. On paper, the music of Guapo reads like a riddle – the British quartet’s sound is based around ideas like controlled chaos, atonal harmony, uplifting darkness, and beautiful destruction. Nothing about the band or their work seems to adhere to even the most open-minded set of preconceptions about the meaning of umbrella terms like “rock,” or “progressive,” or even “experimental.” But when you abandon the need to reconcile any of these concepts with each other, and simply let their latest album, History of the Visitation, speak for itself, everything becomes radiantly clear.
History of the Visitation is the ninth album from the forward-looking foursome. This album finds them following through on the kind of epic constructions that sprung forth from their albums like Five Suns and Black Oni.
The record is dominated by the 26-minute tour de force “The Pilman Radiant,” offset only by the 11-minute journey “Tremors from the Future” and the considerably more compact sonic sculpture known as “Complex #7.”
The band currently comprises drummer and founding member David J. Smith with mainstays Kavus Torabi (Cardiacs, Knifeworld), James Sedwards (This is Not This Heat, Nøght), &Emmett Elvin (Chrome Hoof, Knifeworld) on keyboards.
In addition to the new studio album, this download includes live tracks by the group from their 2006 and 2007 USA and European tours. They feature former member Daniel O'Sullivan of Ulver and Sun 0))).
credits
released January 29, 2013
David J. Smith - drum kit, percussion, additional keyboards, santoor
Emmett Elvin - Fender Rhodes, organ, synths, harmonium, screech guitar
James Sedwards - bass
Kavus Torabi - guitar, santoor
guests:
Thomas Frasier Scott - soprano sax, flutes, clarinet, oboe, bassoon
Dave Newhouse - baritone sax, tenor sax, bass clarinet, alto flute
Chloe Herrington - bassoon
Sarah Anderson - violin, viola
Geri McEwan - violin
Sam Morris - French horn
Emma Sullivan - trumpet
Antti Uusimaki - additional keyboards and effects
supported by 48 fans who also own “History Of The Visitation”
Another stellar release from this long-lived ensemble. Though the King Crimson influence is obvious & that comparison unavoidable, these guys have made many great recordings that can't be categorized as 'mere copies'. The perfect balance of aggressive riffing and serene soundscapes. Stephen Roberts