NG

"BeNDicIòN"

Creative Fields Rec. - 2007

CD

Trevor, better known these days as 3vor, returns with his band Northgate to deliver what is probably the best accomplished and intriguing effort by this elusive entity of the Italian underground, that has now existed for more than 15 years. "Benedición" proceeds on the path suggested by the latest live appearances, shrouding the listener in a dark and floating psychedelic sound, born from the encounter of ancient lysergic influences from the 70s' and treated guitar sounds of early new wave / industrial school. The vocals are filtered and reverberated from outer space, reinforcing the trance and stunning effect of Northgate's music. A superb example of such formula are the long "Across Indian Ocean, Mothers Walk On Daughters", or initial "Flaming Nuns Against The Sun", whereas intimistic "Ice W", for piano, cosmic keyboards and clean voice, is a pleasant digression from the album's core.

More electronic solutions are tried in tracks like "Pearl Men", "And The Angels Plough The Fields, By Night, With Their Wings", or the sacral and percussive "Mystic Lamb", to increase their evocative power. Towards the end of the CD, the instrumental tracks "A Brilliant Mind" and "Greek God In The Cold" (a real meditative ambient masterpiece) for piano and space keyboards shift into a stronger kraut / kosmische dimension, possibly expressed at its best by final "Arco Iris", more sinister in its use of dissonant guitars in the background, ecstatic ambient tunes and icy vocals. Paola Bianchi of Ludmila adds her heavenly voice to the track, boosting its touching transcendental feeling.

"Benedición" is a precious and beautiful release, that will hopefully give justice to this much underestimated Italian band. Highly recommended to every listener in search of mysterious and mesmerizing journeys through cosmic and oneiric sceneries.

- Simon V.

Website: http://www.northgate.it

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/3vor

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