Frank van Bogaert
Nomads
CD / 12 tracks / 57.42 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Drive')
A growling start to 'Overture' is softened through the use of orchestral pads. It is an excellent beginning but didn't prepare me for the explosive energy that was to come! Huge rolling, tremendously exciting rhythms enter like some great giant using the very Earth as a drum. Euphoric massed pads swell to join with the rhythmic powerhouse, reaching a climax then slowly descending to calm. Wow what an opener! Things are initially calmer for 'Crack the Blue Sky' but it isn't long before an excellent melodic sequence strikes up and then more of the same style of drumming found on the previous track. A stunning melody belts forth and we are now in warp drive. Just two tracks in and it becomes evident that this is going to be one hell of an album. From a rather atmospheric beginning the title track bursts into life with a Vangelis style anthemic lead line.

'Furious Jam' actually begins with a rather analogue sounding sequence accompanied by chugging rhythm which quickly develops and really starts to kick. Amazingly we then get a Hammond organ type lead line. All these elements go together to create a rather late 70s feel. Less than two minutes in and the sequence really starts to let rip, new leads flash over the top and the drums gain even more power. It's just impossible to keep still. I found myself alternating between air keyboard and air drums whilst my legs were moving so much they almost knocked over the table! Yet another brilliant track! 'Aquatopia' sets a suitably watery scene. Gentle percussion mixes with subtle piano, all going together to create one of the more restrained tracks on the album, providing a beautiful setting in which to catch our breath after the proceeding maelstrom. 'High' picks up the pace once more as an infectious groove mixes with a lovely sublime melody that will stay in your head for many a day. Overall it had something of a Celtic feel. All rather rousing stuff.

Gentle winds blow over 'Mont Blanc'. Delicate piano brings up images of a soft snowfall. It's all rather moody in a gorgeous sort of way. There is a rather simple yet superbly crafted feel to it all. 'Drive' is well named, as it's ideal for putting your foot to the metal and hurtling down the motorway. A rapid bass pulse underpins it all whilst various different leads riff away in the foreground. 'Blue Down There' is initially all rather dark, like Ocean depths. It does lighten as it progresses but remains pleasantly atmospheric throughout. 'Ritual' starts with images and samples of some hot African (maybe) landscape. Cool syncopations pick up the pace. A slow sequence ambles forward but it's the dreamy melodies that have the main impact. 'Heat' has a gradual build up demonstrating a sort of determination and positive vibe. Appropriately 'Beneath the Ice' has a rather crystalline feel to it. It's all so serene and peaceful.

This is a wonderful CD with the perfect combination of storming power and beauty. Frank is a true talent and I recommend this album highly. (DL)

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