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Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
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Reviews

Nyl — Nyl
(Soyuz Music SM 724-02, 2003, CD)

by Roel Steverink, Published 2005-09-01

Nyl Cover art This prog rock quartet from Russia aims at two often hefty contrasting concepts: commercialism and ingenuity. It’s amazing how a complex structure flows out in a sing-song refrain. You can’t possibly accuse these guys for not being colourful, but these colors clash badly. There’s nothing wrong with their musicianship, competence is not in question, all players are skilled, and compositions have solid foundations. No, it’s the upbeat, smash hit attitude of the melodies that really annoys, that overly lyrical, bombastic kind of music you normally find in a commercial pop band like Starship. The most ridiculous piece here, I guess an ode to Duke Ellington (what the hell is he doing here?), starts out as jazz and changes into sympho again. When I have heard this album and I look again at the beautfiful cover of the CD where the head of an Egyptian sphinx has transcended into a labyrinth, I fear that they chose this imagery just to show off. Not only in the way of their musical thinking, but also in the lyrics which miss out on complexity and inventiveness. I don’t think that Nyl should continue to strive for complexity, that it would be better if they primely concentrate on commercial music from now on.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 32, 2003 releases

Related artist(s): Nyl

 

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