Nomads On Hold
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A veteran player of the Luxemburgish DIY music scene, and who is well versed in indie-rock, electronica and post-rock, Gregario, i.e. David André, takes up piano on this classically influenced and stripped back EP.
“Menthol Issues” starts the listen with cascading keys as agile drumming from Paul Fox enters the jazz friendly setting, and “Manhunt” follows with a quick pace of dense keys that are complemented by Fox’s firm drumming as post-rock ideas unfold with precision and an adventurous spirit.
The middle tracks, “PolyStena” and “Volganic”, both illustrate André’s proficient piano skills that’s capable of swift, lush movement as well as calm and hypnotic, where a stirring mood is created.
The deeper tracks, “Just Another Sisyphos” and “Nomads On Hold”, are among the best, where the former offers a diverse, even mysterious landscape, and the latter finds plenty of mesmerizing melody in its flawless execution.
Nomads On Hold is a far cry from André’s work in Mount Stealth, and his exceptional minimalism and sonically warm song craft makes for a listen that’s worth revisiting often.
Travels well with: Gilles Poizat- Champignon Flamme; Selfless Orchestra- Great Barrier