History of the Visitation (2013) was a bonafide triumph for vocal-less prog rockers Guapo, an all-too-rare record where intricate composition and first-class musicianship were both channeled to make purposeful music that has no commercial aspirations but richly rewards engaged listeners.
It’s a lot to live up to, but the foursome from Britain are going to give it a go with the followup LP Obscure Knowledge, which drops on May 26, 2015 via Cuneiform Records. A radio edit (i.e., bite sized portion) of “Obscure Knowledge I” is available above with its monstrous Keith Emerson church organ (Emmet Elvin), Chris Squire-looming bass (James Sedwards) and founder David J. Smith’s relentless rhythms. Kavus Torabi has just enough of a metallic tint coming from his guitar when paired with that heavy bass to connect back to the band’s post-hardcore origins.
As is part of their signature sound, Guapo develops compelling riffs but never over dwells on them, moving onto the next one before the juice runs out of the prior one. Toward the end, though, they do settle into a right-minded groove, and fade out into the sunset on that.
This being a ‘radio edit,’ this sliver of “Obscure Knowledge I” is part of something bigger. Where that outgoing groove leads to is something worth finding out in a couple of weeks.
feature photo: Ashley Jones
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