Guapo Appurrreciation Thread
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50607
Printed Date: November 28 2024 at 05:58
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Topic: Guapo Appurrreciation Thread
Posted By: song_of_copper
Subject: Guapo Appurrreciation Thread
Date Posted: July 31 2008 at 12:33
Well, there doesn't seem to be an appreciation thread for Guapo yet, so I thought I'd take the plunge and make one.  I only know their most recent 'trilogy' albums, and these are recent acquisitions for me. After an uncertain start, I'm beginning to be really impressed by this band. If you like the idea of dark and creepy music, influenced by classic RIO/avant and Zeuhl, played by a small coterie of inscrutable intellectual types (or are they flamboyant exhibitionists? I think they might be both!)... well, this music is for you! I found 'Five Suns' a difficult listen - not because of the impenetrable, swirling, pea-soupish, dark air of the music, but because there is a lot of Magma in there. For me, it's a bit 'spot the almost-verbatim quote', which is distracting.  But now I want to reassess it, having heard the following two albums...'Black Oni', by contrast, completely bowled me over. It seems to wear its influences far less blatantly, feels more coherent to me, and instead of beating you over the head with its sulky sombreness, is more subtly creepy than 'Five Suns'. It feels like an instant favourite for me!  'Elixirs' feels like the soundtrack to the weirdest, most chilling movie ever. Those strings at the start are like a dirty jagged fingernail being dragged casually along your spine... *shiver* (Also... they really like their gong strikes, don't they?!  )Right... that's more than enough on the matter from me. Any thoughts? Love them or loathe them? How about the pre-'Five Suns' stuff? Anyone seen them live? (And, uh, if so, did you emerge from the experience completely sane and in your right mind?!) Off you go - start appreciatin'! |
Replies:
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: July 31 2008 at 13:28
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Elixirs was one of my most anticipated albums of the year; that said I still don't have it (finances). I really like Guapo. Five Suns and Black Oni are very good. The one that bowled me over, as well, is Black Oni -- superb. And along with Koenjihyakkei's Angherr Shisspa was my favourite of the 2005 releases (discovered some other really great ones from the year subsequently too). I don't have the debut. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: July 31 2008 at 20:52
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I intend to get Black Oni when my emusic account refreshes in a few days. That's all I got - but this thread looked lonely.  |
Posted By: Dominic
Date Posted: July 31 2008 at 21:52
Most of the Black Oni EP is included with Elixirs. If you don't already have Elixirs, definitely get that first. Five Suns is amazing and should be checked out by all Zeuhl fans, but i think that Elixirs might be a bit boring to some, when compared to the vigorous playing found on Five Suns. |
NaturalScience wrote:Posted By: Reverie
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 02:32
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I could have sworn i posted in this thread.... Oh well... I've heard Guapo being tossed around for ages, but never really ventured to check them out. But recently i picked up Elixirs and i'm glad i did. Very good album! Possibly my favourite of the year thus far. I will certainly be grabbing some more of their stuff at some point. |
Posted By: heyitsthatguy
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 02:39
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fell asleep to Elixirs so I've subconsciously absorbed it now I need to listen to it while awake ------------- 
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 04:33
That'd be the 'Twisted Stems' EP! 'Black Oni' is a long player.Edited to add: is the EP version of 'Twisted Stems' different from the album version on 'Elixirs'? I've read the PA entry and reviews for the EP and there is no mention of the vocals (which appear on the album version). I have this weird sensation of having heard 'The Heliotrope' (or something like it) before, but I can't place it. And I think it's the vocals that make me feel that way... 'Elixirs' is indeed very, very different from 'Five Suns'. Vigorous is a good word for 'Five Suns' - I'd call it almost punishingly vigorous. But in a good way...'Elixirs' has a variety of 'guest instruments' on it, and there are even vocals. It is certainly quite a departure from the previous two albums, and I will say again that it needs a horrible movie to go with it. Interestingly, the related band Miasma and the Carousel of Headless Horses (the name is a bit silly, if you ask me...), is apparently influenced in part by Goblin (the Italian soundtrack people), so there may be a bit of cross-pollination going on there. MatCoHH (haha, even the initials look like a dangerous chemical!) are on my list to try at some point, so we'll see... |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 04:37
Hehe, thanks for the giving the poor thing a shot in the arm! Hope you enjoy it. They seem to have veered a little more to the side of Present/UZ on 'Black Oni', and I think it flows better than 'Five Suns'. I like Part III the best. |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 04:55
'Elixirs' has an apocalyptic feel. 'Post-Kobaïan', perhaps! (Your signature: the answer is 'yes', but only in relation to 'Attahk'. ) |
Posted By: Kim?
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 05:28
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One of my favourite bands nowadays.
I'm also most familiar with the trilogy. I listened a bit to Great Sage, Equal of Heaven, but I can't say I liked it that much. Of the trilogy, I like each of them just as much. All three are exploring different territories, and very successfully so. Favourite tracks are: Black Oni III and V Arthur, Elsie and Frances from Elixirs I've ordered the Mothlite (project of Daniel O'Sullivan, but David Smith and Sara Hurich among many others are also participating) debut The Flax of Reverie, hopefully recieving it soon. From what I've heard on the website/myspace, it sounds very promising! Especially the track Riverside. I'm also a fan of Miasma & the Carousel of Headless Horses, which sometimes reminds me of Guapo (not that strange, since all members of Guapo are present) with the folkish feel, that they ventured a bit into on Elixirs. The Miasma songs are a bit more focused and resolute, though, like The Planks (which by the by is a great tune!) |
Posted By: Syzygy
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 05:31
The Twisted Stems EP is purely instrumental, and I think that there may have been some other tweaking for the album as well.
'Elixirs' is less immediate than 5 Suns or Black Oni but is probably their strongest album yet, very strong compositions and a quantum leap on from Black Oni. The last couple of tracks hark back to earlier incarntions though; The Planks could have come from Great Sage, Equal of Heaven (recently reissued) and King Lindorm has the kind of pounding intensity that makes 5 Suns and Black Oni so effective on stage.
If you dig around in the interviews section you'll find an interview I did with Guapo shortly after Black Oni was released. ------------- 'Like so many of you I've got my doubts about how much to contribute to the already rich among us...' Robert Wyatt, Gloria Gloom |
Posted By: Rocktopus
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 05:44
Yes. They are instrumental, different and better, I think. Well, The Selenetrope with Jarboe is great, but The Heliotrope is much better as a dark, loungy Baldamenti-ish instrumental. I really love the EP (and Elixirs). My favorite is actually Five Suns. One of the handful of albums of the 00's I consider a real masterpiece. Never thought it was particulary similar to Magma, although its obviously Zeuhl-inspired. My problem with the Guapo trilogy, if any, is that (although brilliant) Black Oni is too similar to its predessesor. The quite new Miasma EP Perils, is fantastic! A lot more interesting than their OK debut. Warmly reccomended. The older Guapo albums is really by a different band. ------------- Over land and under ashes In the sunlight, see - it flashes Find a fly and eat his eye But don't believe in me Don't believe in me Don't believe in me |
Posted By: Kim?
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 06:06
Manfauna is the EP, Perils is the album, I think. Anyway, I agree, it's great! |
Posted By: Rocktopus
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 06:16
Ops! Yes, Manufana is the awsome one. Thanks. ------------- Over land and under ashes In the sunlight, see - it flashes Find a fly and eat his eye But don't believe in me Don't believe in me Don't believe in me |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 09:50
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Five Suns and Black Oni have been getting a fair bit of play here recently, brilliant work and I love it, especially Black Oni.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 16:08
Agreed, those are definite stand outs! I'd pick 'Jeweled Turtle' from 'Elixirs' as well, though.
These people are unstoppably prolific! How many projects is it now...? I'm definitely going to check out Miasma - the description sounds intriguing and the samples I've heard are good. Maybe I'll get around to some of those other bands too...  |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 16:15
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 16:18
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^I think Black Oni benefits from being shorter, its allowed the band to be more concise with the arrangments and the result is it hits home a bit more.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: Pnoom!
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 16:19
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IMHO Miasma and the Carousel of Headless Horses > Guapo. Not a huge Guapo fan. Five Suns would be pretty good if it weren't for the two closing tracks. Black Oni never hit me. Elixirs I found mildly interesting at best. I will recommend the cd The Ruined Map by Rashomon ("pen" name of an ex-Guapo member/founder). |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 16:30
I enjoyed reading the interview, thanks for alerting me to it! (It's forum_posts.asp?TID=12985&KW=guapo - here , if anyone else would like to read it!) They seem pretty down to earth in the interview, in contrast to some of their PR spiel! This really is fascinating stuff. (Listening again this evening...) I wonder what they'll do next...? |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 16:54
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I've had Elixirs for a while and still haven't heard it... although I did hear a track from it.
Black Oni = brilliant
Five Suns = very good and I really like it too
Miasma... again, had the album and the EP for ages and still haven't spun them. Maybe I'll spin Elixirs later, if I find time. -------------   
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 17:06
Oh well - to each his own! Great Scott, not another related project...  But the http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=45793&KW=rashomon - description looks interesting. Another for the list of things to hear! |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 17:15
Dear me, you're terrible!! Let us know what you think... if you find a moment!
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Posted By: Pnoom!
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 17:28
| I reviewed Rashomon's CD on www.progressiveears.com. I had quoted it here but I'm too lazy to redo that post after getting a forum error. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 17:35
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Don't forget Æthenor either, Melissa. I must try and find their CDs... I don't know what to expect yet. -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 17:59
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Very timely: just received this info. from Cuneifom (via the 'avant-progressive' Yahoo group):- Forthcoming European live performance dates for Guapo: September 18 - Botanique - Bruxelles, Belgium Sepember 19 - Zxzw Festival - Tilberg, The Netherlands September 20 - MTC - Cologne, Germany September 22 - Magnet Club - Berlin, Germany September 24 - Klub 007 - Prague, Czech Republic September 25 - Arena - Vienna, Austria September 27 - Sinister Noise Club - Rome, Italy September 29 - Feierwerk - Munich, Germany September 30 - Le Cab - Geneva, Switzerland Various other bands of interest to PA people are also out and about, but that's not for this thread... |
Posted By: moreitsythanyou
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:02
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I heard Elixers. It was pretty nice. -------------  <font color=white>butts, lol[/COLOR] |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:05
No English gig though.  -------------
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:07
Elixirs Two "i" One "e" Sorry, I've seen Elixirs misspelled here so many times, it's starting to get to me.  -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:35
Aargh, I know!  I think I'd like to move to Brussels. Belgium is where it's at. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:43
Or Paris. I could go to Le Triton a lot. -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:54
Paris would also work, but Belgium is the home of finest chocolate, and of course finest avant-chamber-prog. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 18:58
That's true but I think Univers Zero play in Paris more the Bruxelles. Speaking of which, I need to find some Albert Huybrechts. He was a Belgian composer of chamber music in the 20th century and his compositions are not very well know outside of Belgium, I do not believe. They were an influence on the members of Univers Zero. -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 19:02
I was thinking more along the lines of joining a group! I am a proud descendant of musical Belgians, don't you know. Haha, questing for obscure Belgian composers. I get the feeling that this is a most Jamesian venture. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 19:09
It is. I've only ever found one recording of Huybrechts' chamber works... I'll have a look on Amazon. Which musical Belgians would these be, then? -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 19:19
Exquisitely obscure ones! (My great-grandfather was a violinist and occasional composer, nobody important really! But he did study under Ysaye, and once owned a Stradivarius. I'm guessing that got sold to pay debts...  ) |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 20:27
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I really like this review: http://www.progressiveworld.net/guapo.html - http://www.progressiveworld.net/guapo.html Maybe this is how I should write reviews... oooh! -------------
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 21:06
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Je ne sais pas si je préfère Yoshi ou Dave Smith Harrumph! -------------
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 22:06
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Black Oni III = help me out of this epileptic state! Cannot stop moving to it! I think it'd have made a better soundtrack to 28 Days Later, than Godspeed! did. Seriously. Elixirs is up next for me... by all the hype, I'm going to love it! -------------
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Posted By: mithrandir
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 23:10
| Five Suns is my favorite, its relentless and barbaric therefor it satisfies me the most out of the 3 CDs of theirs I own, but I still haven't heard Elixirs yet...from what I've read it doesn't seem I'd like as much, but someday I'll give it a try |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 23:26
The last track on Elixirs you'll enjoy! It's relentless and barbaric. Anyhow, I've just heard Elixirs and King Lindorm (the aforesaid final track) is outstanding. The other tracks will need further listens, 'cause they sound different to the Guapo I know and love but they still were excellent. I think I may prefer Elixirs to Jannick Top's Infernal Machina currently. Time will tell, I guess. -------------
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Posted By: heyitsthatguy
Date Posted: August 01 2008 at 23:48
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listening to Elixirs while awake now, so far pretty good
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 02 2008 at 06:24
Blimey heck, that's got more OTT metaphors than one of my reviews! I do rather like the idea of a duel between Guapo and Magma, although my money's on Vander.
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 02 2008 at 06:29
http://www.progressiveears.com/default.asp?bhcp=1 - Here it is - a well-written review and this album certainly looks intriguing. (I'm glad it's not just me who picked up on Guapo's 'blatant Magma influences'! That seems to diminish somewhat over the course of the trilogy, but I'm still amazed they got away with certain bits of 'Five Suns'... ) |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 02 2008 at 06:31
Haha, I was wondering whether you had any unpleasant after effects of absorbing it during sleep... Could make for some rather disturbing dreams...! |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 02 2008 at 06:36
It is quite a departure from the previous Guapo sound... I feel a controlled experiment to measure levels of perspiration (in response to certain musical stimuli) is indicated. Actually, could this be a way to get Right Guard to sponsor some kind of Zeuhl Fest...?  No - make that Lynx! Give a can each to all those lonely Magma fans, then they'll become instant studs, just like in the adverts... well, maybe! |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 02 2008 at 06:45
La plume de ma tante est dans le jardin. Er... sorry... wrong page... On a besoin de tous les deux. That's more like it!
Yes, yes, yes - that is my favourite part of 'Black Oni'.  As soon as I heard that piano intro... well, that's when I decided I really like Guapo. Further on, when the bass get going - and the repetitive, relentless drumming - now that's Zeuhl!  (More so than 'Five Suns', to my mind...) |
Posted By: HLAVA
Date Posted: August 05 2008 at 04:13
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nice thread.
i am wondering if there are any vinyl fans here:
check: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=44063 - http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=44063 i got only 15 copies left - then it is sold out. we will start on the "five suns" vinyl very soon. concerning RASHOMON. matt is recording new stuff at the moment and "ruined map" will be our on limited (150 copies) vinyl soon as well on http://www.HLAVA-temple.com - www.HLAVA-temple.com
cheers.
------------- FUEL FOR BLACK QUARTZ |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: August 05 2008 at 17:17
This track is killing me right now. Absolutely killing me with its awesomeness. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 05 2008 at 17:40
I keep forgetting... must buy one! -------------
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 05 2008 at 17:41
Yep. The intro starts off slow and it just builds to complete and utter madness. I was literally unable to sit still to it. -------------
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Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: August 07 2008 at 10:39
| Well, Black Oni was great, I'll need to get their other albums at some point. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 07 2008 at 11:01
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So far, I'd say Black Oni was their pinnacle... I need to hear their new one more though, as I've only played it the once. The great thing I like about Guapo is that every album is different from the previous one, yet they still sound just like Guapo! Oh and each album is excellent too. -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 08 2008 at 05:56
Definitely you will!
I agree re. 'Black Oni'. It's the most Zeuhl, to my ears, less disjointed than 'Five Suns', and Part III... why, it kills!! It kills tenderly!!!  But I think you both experienced that already, no?'Elixirs' is less bounded than the previous two. Apparently, the reduced line up allowed for fewer creative strictures. James, listen to it again. Try it whilst reading one of those futuristic novels! There's an interview http://www.cpbn.org/index.php?q=program/needle-drop-podcast/episode/tnd-guapos-elixirs%20 - here which might be of interest. The young man conducting the interview is someone I am vaguely acquainted with via LiveJournal (and he was the one who recommended Guapo to me in the first place, along with Koenjihyakkei and numerous other things). I'm overdue giving his endeavours a plug, come to think of it... |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 08 2008 at 17:31
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I don't tend to listen to music when reading, to be honest. I find the music distracts me from taking in the words fully. It rarely happens the other way around, where the words distract from listening to music. I also find I can remember music but not lyrics, if I read whilst listening. That includes browsing the Internet whilst listening to music. That is also why I don't listen to enough music... I don't like just listening to music whilst not doing anything else and I cannot listen to music all the time whilst doing things such as reading. However, listening to music whilst driving always seems to work for me... it's just I don't have a CD player that works properly and some annoying  has snapped off my aerial, so I cannot even listen to the radio now!-------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 14:02
I find it depends on the music - re. distraction from other things. Music with good lyrics is impossible to ignore and therefore totally incompatible with other activities! But sometimes, instrumental music - if it 'goes' with what you are doing - can enhance other things. I never used to put on music whilst writing, for example, but lately I've found it can be an asset. Sunn O)))'s 'Black One' followed by MDK resulted in a very convoluted melancholy/philosophical bit followed by a rampaging sword fight scene! I have it in mind that at some point I'm going to put 'Elixirs' on and try and write the story that it puts in my mind... I think it would make the perfect soundtrack to something post-apocalyptic. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 14:57
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I think I've already said that I consider Black Oni a better soundtrack than GYBE!'s song that was used in 28 Days Later. Imagine that scene with Black Oni Part III over it instead... it's even better! Personal preference, of course. And call me ignorant... but how is Oni pronounced? -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 16:32
I've not seen that movie!
 But if I do, I shall.  It's "Oh knee", I believe. Mr O'Sullivan pronounced it thusly in that interview I posted a link to.
 |
Posted By: Rocktopus
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 16:41
After a very promising (maybe even fantastic) start it turns more and more idiotic. I wish I left after the first genuinely atmospheric and scary 30-40 minutes or so. I reccomend you do it. ------------- Over land and under ashes In the sunlight, see - it flashes Find a fly and eat his eye But don't believe in me Don't believe in me Don't believe in me |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 16:56
Thanks. I wasn't too far off... I kept saying it as "On-knee". Any idea what it means? As a matter of interest and maybe I am clutching at Marillion straws here but O'Sullivan tours with Sunn 0))) sometimes and their recent album is called Black One. Is there any correlation between Black Oni and Black One, do you think? -------------
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 16:58
Yep, that's how I felt too and I've seen it two or three times 'cause a good friend of mine loves the film and I've had to thus endure it more than once. I've not seen the sequel though. Black Oni would also work well as a soundtrack for Children of Men. -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 17:07
I have no clue what it means. Could be an obscure plant, I guess. Guapo and obscure plants... it's a thing. Or something to do with opium? (the 'black smoke'?) Romantic poets envisioning things would also be right up their alley. But you totally read my mind there re. Black One/Black Oni. Even the covers are quite similar. Maybe it means... everything in the cosmos is connected!! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 17:12
I've not seen the Black One cover, so I didn't know that. The Black Oni cover is great though and I think it's only on the spine of the CD version (not sure about the vinyl) that it mentions the name of the band and the album. It's hard to make out what's on the cover of Black Oni actually.Also, I was surprised to see a white cover for Elixirs... but that's what I love about Guapo, they surprise me with every release. Is Daniel O'Sullivan on Black One or is it only live he performs with them? And that's weird how we thought the same way. Spooky! Welcome to the Theusz Hamtaahk zone! -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 17:27
  Well, they're similar in spirit... monochrome and inscrutable. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 17:33
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Interesting... perhaps we're onto something here! Or perhaps we're not. -------------
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 17:42
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I'm not sure whether young master Daniel appears on 'Black One' or not - the print is small, and pseudonym-heavy by the look of it! Ahh, the Theusz Hamtaahk zone. It's elitist and comfy! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 17:44
Speaking of Sunn O))), is there a chance I'd like them? No he doesn't appear on Black One:
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Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 09 2008 at 18:01
Well, I must say, I never expected to like anything that came under the heading of 'drone metal' or whatever it is they call it. Radio Chappie from Connecticut scored again there. (He made me this incredible mix CD which had Guapo on it, and Koenjihyakkei, and Sunn O))), and Earth, and all kindsa stuff. Everything I've followed up so far has been surprisingly (to uneducated little old me! ) appealing.)I don't have any of their other albums, but this is sort of soundscapey and dank and cobwebby and stalactitey, if that makes sense! People always say 'play it loud' but I find it works better quiet. Kind of delicately creepy and cold that way... brr... |
Posted By: HLAVA
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 05:07
i am pretty sure the "black oni" and black one" have nothing in common.
"oni" is taken from the japanese mythology and describes the demons and ogres of japanese folklore. when you look at the booklets and covers (cd and vinyl version are different) you ll see little eyes staring at you....
 ------------- FUEL FOR BLACK QUARTZ |
Posted By: Udi Koomran
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 09:46
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Anyone who appreciates Guapo needs To check out the recent Miasma ep Latitudes Great stuff |
Posted By: avestin
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 11:08
Hey Udi, great to "see" you in these parts of the web!
------------- http://hangingsounds.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - Hanging Sounds http://www.progarchives.com/ProgRockShopping.asp" rel="nofollow - PA Index of prog music vendors |
Posted By: Syzygy
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 12:36
Welcome Udi - wonderful work at the mixing desk at the last RIO festival - will you be manning the board again next year?
Manfauna is the title of the EP, it's part of the Latitudes series and it is a thing of wonder indeed.
Has anybody else heard Dave Smith's side project The Stargazer's Assistant? I have their CD (the Other Side Of The Island) and saw them live at The Horse Hospital last year. An interesting comopanion piece to Aethenor - I'll add it to the archives sooner or later. ------------- 'Like so many of you I've got my doubts about how much to contribute to the already rich among us...' Robert Wyatt, Gloria Gloom |
Posted By: fusionfreak
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 13:31
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I'm very new to Guapo:I received 5 Suns wednesday and I must admit it's of the smoking type.When I
played it I felt breathless,ill at ease sometimes but the reward was great cause this music is so zeuhl
so great.It seems to me that this music is not made for large audiences but it's the experience!I've just
ordered Elixirs. ------------- I was born in the land of Mahavishnu,not so far from Kobaia.I'm looking for the world of searchers with the help from crimson king |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 10 2008 at 14:22
How interesting! Thank you for explaining that. I've only got downloads of Guapo's albums (don't worry, they're all legal ones! ), but when I get around to picking up physical versions (as I expect I will at some point) I'll have to watch out for those little eyes... |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: August 11 2008 at 12:39
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Got Elixirs recently and I think it might be the best of the 5 Suns trilogy, though I'm none too keen on The Heliotrope at the moment. James was right, King Lindorm is bloody amazing!
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: Rocktopus
Date Posted: August 13 2008 at 04:52
I'll take that comment back. They obviously share a lot of similarities but I really don't mind. Not at all. Just like Five Suns and Elixirs the album is near perfect, and I love the whole trilogy. All in all, Guapo is probably my favorite band of the 00's. ------------- Over land and under ashes In the sunlight, see - it flashes Find a fly and eat his eye But don't believe in me Don't believe in me Don't believe in me |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: August 13 2008 at 22:59
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Just obtained Elixirs and looking forward to hearing it. I'll have to get Five Suns at some point as well. edit: well Elixirs will probably need some more listens. First impression is that I don't like it nearly as much as Black Oni. edit2: Although as others have mentioned "King Lindorm" is amazing. |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: August 14 2008 at 14:11
Hey Pat. 'Black Oni' is shaping up to be my favourite (you'll have to see what you think of 'Five Suns'!). I think 'Elixirs' is excellent but it is very different sounding - and feels more episodic than the previous two, to me anyway (one of the ways in which it seems soundtrackesque!). I'm not sure whether Guapo actually intended these albums to be a trilogy, but 'Elixirs' doesn't necessarily feel like the final chapter in a continuing narrative... more like the start of something rather different. As you say, it may grow on you with repeated listening.... |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: August 14 2008 at 14:16
| I listened to Black Oni right after Elixirs for a good comparison, and right now I vastly prefer Black Oni. I'll have to get Five Suns for completeness. All in all, though, amazing band. |
Posted By: A B Negative
Date Posted: August 16 2008 at 10:07
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To be honest, I haven't heard any of the albums discussed so far but 10 years or so ago the band I was in appeared on a compilation album alongside Guapo. It was called Air Freshener and was released by Earwing Records from Croatia. http://www.earwingrecords.com/releases3.htm - http://www.earwingrecords.com/releases3.htm
------------- "The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar.... Now, that's my idea of a good time." |
Posted By: Kim?
Date Posted: August 19 2008 at 11:13
Recieved it in the mail today. Good stuff, even though I'm not in the right mood just now. Better take a listen tonight when things are a bit darker and there is less interference around. It seems they have recorded another piece which is to be released soon. Check [link]http://www.utechrecords.com/[/link]. I got The Flax of Reverie from Mothlite quite recently as well, and it's now among my favourite records. Would be great to have them added to the archives. |
Posted By: HLAVA
Date Posted: August 19 2008 at 16:04
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the MOTHLITE album is one of the best in 2008!!! that double-gatefold vinyl is beautifull. ------------- FUEL FOR BLACK QUARTZ |
Posted By: Kim?
Date Posted: October 18 2008 at 06:32
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Here are two videos I found from their recent tour (with quite okay sound quality): Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8vHqUq0xdU&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--lHOSNgr_c Can anyone tell me where that last part is from? A new song? |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: October 18 2008 at 09:37
Not sure, but the very very last tiny little bit (just the last minute) sounds like... Magma!! The end of Rïah Sahïltaahk. |
Posted By: Kim?
Date Posted: October 23 2008 at 17:22
Ah, right. That's Klaus Kombalad, isn't it, off Simples? If I remember correctly, they did a version of it for an upcoming Hamtaï record or something. I think I read it on their blogspot.
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Posted By: Dominic
Date Posted: October 24 2008 at 00:05
I was so excited about it, but, i don't understand it. Where's the music at? I felt wronged. |
Posted By: song_of_copper
Date Posted: October 24 2008 at 04:46
Ah, yes. Just had a look at their http://guaponews.blogspot.com/ - blog and it does say that (entry dated 16th June 08). I have probably only listened to 'Simples' once, maybe I should again... (I read somewhere that this supposed forthcoming sequel to 'Hamtaï!' will be titled 'Hur!', which makes me giggle stupidly. )
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Posted By: Kim?
Date Posted: January 27 2009 at 06:35
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Klaus Kombalad is now actually up on Daniel O'Sullivan's myspace: www.myspace.com/danielohsullivan
along with a song from the new album from Grumbling Fur.
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