Gazpacho at the Islington Academy

The Norwegian band Gazpacho kicked off their Molok tour at the Islington Academy last night with the impressive vocal track Algorithm, instantly creating the laid-back atmosphere that characterised the night.

The band is composed of an eclectic mix of strings, keyboard and drums that form the progressive rock sound unique to Gazpacho. They are a self-professed positive contradiction, a mismatch of differing talents and styles that come together to give a collection of songs, which may not have secured a record label but do secure the love from a dedicated and entertained crowd.

They are creative with their music, shutting the door on the traditional short track format and telling a story through elongated pieces split into chapters. Their new album Molok tells the story of a man who, unsure of the existence of God, builds a machine to find out. This is narrated through songs like The Walk and Hell Freezes Over, more melancholy tracks that sound like a marriage between Keane and Radiohead.

With a high album turnover, Gazpacho also showcased their earlier work. Upside Down from their 2007 album Night had the crowd on their feet with its heavy guitar instrumental and they returned for an encore with the energetic and bizarre Desert Flight from their 2009 album Tick Tock.

The setlist could sound a bit samey, but Gazpacho knows what they like and can make just that; without any interference from a label, the moody progressive blend of rock and melody is consistent. This combination works and, having been together in various forms since 1996, the boys have had the time to perfect it for this understated, emotive and beautiful new album.

Melissa Hoban
Photo: Shirin Kasraeian

For further information about Gazpacho and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Night here: