Italian Experimental duo Gotho return two years after their previous “Mindbowling,” with a new studio album. Titled “Gothron Versus Fartark,” it was released on November 15, 2024 via Supernatural Cat Records and contains 10 tracks with a sophisticated storytelling. Using only drums and synthesisers without overdubs, this duo explores a wide range of genres and styles. The electronic imprinting given by the keyboards dominates the sound, allowing them to fill all the spaces left by the lack of other instruments. The sound is indeed pompous in certain passages, always very elaborate, ranging from Progressive Rock to Experimental, via Math Rock, Jazz and more. The band’s sound is developed with a solid and elaborate rhythm section, enriched by continuous tempo changes, with drumming playing a leading role as well as keyboards. Both melodies and solo cues are developed with keyboards, the synth specifically, giving an electronic and Krautrock intricate touch to the sound. Electronic traits that flow into some passages that explore sounds close to primordial Dance Music or Kosmische Musik. Entirely instrumental, this work emphasises songwriting and storytelling, even though it lacks lyrics, accompanying the listener on this pleasant journey between Experimentation and beyond. Very interesting is the work done by the keyboards and the modulations and effects, which, being free of overdubs, show an excellent mastery of the instruments and an excellent technique as experimenters. An album full of quality ideas and cues, researched and refined from start to finish, keeping the intensity always high without dispersive moments. The blend of retro and other fresh, modern sounds is very successful, thanks to his personal touch that allows him to range between eras and styles. Well-developed plots that keep the listener always involved, curious about what will happen at each tempo change. A recommended listen for lovers of Experimental sounds with a good component of Prog, Heavy Rock and electronic traits, with long instrumental textures proposed by a duo that sounds like a band of many.
Tracklist
01. Gothron Ars, Gothron Ars Eem (Gothron Rise, Gothron Rise Now!) (04:39)
02. Crossing The Wormhole (02:12)
03. First Fight in Planet Disco Dance (04:21)
04. Mystical Training In Bothron Lamarovna’s Cave (08:31)
05. Invocation For Gothron’s Re-Birth (02:25)
06. Second Fight in Planet Disco Dance (06:20)
0 7.Celebration Of Gothron’s Victory Playing The Stardust Bells (01:57)
08. Celebration Of Gothron’s Power Playing The Space-Noir-Trumpet (02:24)
09. Re-Crossing The Wormhole Using A Little Quantic Drum (03:39)
10. Gothron Armsten! ( Let’s Bow To Gothron’s Power!) (04:14)
Lineup
Øūstrõgotho / Drums, Synth, Space-Trumpet, Lasers
Vįhşǰ̣ĥgotho / Pïāĥn̈öhölehę
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