Opinion

Nubia is the third release by Håkan Almkvist project called Orient Squeezers. I remember he told me after the releasing of his previous album Nagas he wanted to create a balanced mix between ethnic and prog rock music. In my opinion, that mix was not well balanced in the album, because some songs seem a bit forced, so I always have considered Nagas as a transitional work. A transition to where? After listening Nubia, I think that at this moment transition finishes in this album.

If I had to sum up my review, I would say Nubia is the best release by Orient Squeezers. This album includes a bizarre and complex mix of a wide range of influences: progressive rock, rock in opposition, ethnic references from Balkan to Hindu music and electronics music. The latter must be highlighted in this review so its weight is more important in this album than the previous ones, what can be explained by the collaboration of Tween Deck 2's Lars Björk. As always in this project,   improvisation plays a crucial role in the composition, but I think production has been more important in this release than the previous ones, so themes seems more polished and finished. One of the reasons for that could be the presence of a highly innovative and deep work in the sampler and tapes.

In my opinion, best songs are the excellent Asian "Mouslak" because of its brilliant sitar work that reminds me some very good passages Sadhu, the electronic influenced themes such as "Real clovis" and "Maheswar", the innovative atmospheres of "Kira, kira", "Procession" and "Hattusa". Summarizing, with Nubia Almkvist gets his wished balance between prog rock and ethnic music, but also another very important thing: a more personal sound far ahead from Ensemble Nimbus and In The Labyrinth music, what could be explained by the strong presence of electronics and the excellent production. A very good album with a very innovative sound that is recommended by this magazine.

Rate: 9/10

Jaume Pujol 05.Jan.2002

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