NeBeLNeST - Nova Express [2001]

Despite some production flaws, NeBeLNeST's self-titled debut made quite an impression in progressive rock circles. The group's complex time signatures, Fripp-ish guitar, and apocalyptic intensity impress from the first listen. The obvious point of reference here is Larks' Tongues in Aspic-era King Crimson — for the spooky atmospheres, Cyril Malderez's angular guitar parts, Gregory Tejedor's picked basslines (very John Wetton, he could be playing the instrument with a pneumatic drill in "Absinthe"), and the group's penchant for improvisation. Of the eight pieces on this album, three are improvised in a free-form style strongly reminiscent of the mighty Crimson circa 1973. All that being said, despite this obvious influence, NeBeLNeST manage to cut their own sound. Some listeners may even be more struck by the somber moods, reminiscent of Scandinavian bands like Anekdoten or Anglagard. Olivier Tejedor's synthesizers and electronics also help steer the group's sound away from the major references of the genre, adding a more experimental touch that suggests the heavier representatives of the avant-prog current, Present in particular. "Solilock" and the two-part "Psykial Trysm" are the album's highlights, as they best balance strong compositional skills and creative playing. "Etude de Shimshot" lacks a bit of soul to drag it off its written score, but that would be the only weak track. Sadly, the production lacks a bit of muscle. The mix makes good use of stereo panning, but has no depth, which tends to flatten the group's intensity. This problem would be solved on the second album, NoVa eXPReSS.


Tracks




Title
Composer
Time

1 Pooks, Pt. 1 Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 3:22
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


2 Psykial Trysm: Shafoo Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 6:49
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


3 Psykial Trysm: Najha Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 6:13
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


4 Etude de Shimshot Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 9:25
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


5 Uncertain Journey Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 5:17
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


6 Solilock Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 4:48
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


7 Absinthe Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 9:21
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


8 Crab Nedula Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 6:20
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor


9 Pooks, Pt. 2 Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor ... 7:29
Composed by: Anselmi, Malderez, Tejedor, Tejedor