LIGHTDARK

Lightdark is the second album from Italian ambient/ atmospheric rock band Nosound. I was very impressed with their debut album and really enjoy listening to that one once in a while and Lightdark continues the style Nosound initiated on Sol29. Their sound reminds me of the most slow and ambient Porcupine Tree songs and there is definitely also a Pink Floyd influence but Nosound has their own sound despite the obvious influences. This is the kind of music where you can disappear while listening to it. It´s very meditative and soft.

The songs are very simple but has lots of layers of synth while bass, guitar and drums are also a part of the soundscape. This time around Nosound has also included Cello in some of the songs and the sound of the Cello really adds an extra dimension to the songs in which it appears which is The misplay, Kites and the title track. The songs are generally slow building and only slowly adds new layers to the compositions but the songs never gets too repetitive or boring. In the case of Nosound I rather enjoy their slow building atmospheres. There are some really majestic and beautiful guitar solos on the album that needs to be mentioned as well. The synth sounds that are used sounds very grand. When the climaxes comes in the songs I´m almost blown back in my seat by this wall of synths. It´s pretty spectacular and a real treat IMO.

The musicianship is very good on the album. I haven´t yet mentioned the vocals which are heavily accented but in a quite charming way. The vocals are simple and almost works as another instrument when they appear.

The production is otherworldly. One of the best modern prog rock productions I have listened to in a long time. It´s quite overwhelming at times. Very elaborate.

Nosound is such a great band and I enjoy their music very much. Lightdark is the natural progression from the debut and with this album Nosound have developed their style just enough to not sound stagnated. Their music is not original as such but they have their own take on this ambient rock style that pleases me and moves me. Lightdark is a sure 4 star album and it´s equally as good as the debut so if you liked that one this is a sure buy.