Rockfreaks.net

Nake

Nake

Written by: PP on 03/03/2024 23:03:44

Nake is a Copenhagen, Denmark-based instrumental rock band, whose self-titled debut album dabbles in everything from metal to post-rock during its fifty-minute reign across eight tracks. It's supposedly labeled as cinematic rock in an effort to capture its grand soundscapes that indeed create sprawling sonic landscapes fitting for the big screens, but the question that always remains with instrumental bands is whether it's enough to push it beyond just niché audiences?

Here, the band spends considerable time in what is usually classified as experimental territory. There are lengthy progressive rock (and even metal) passages, but also clear inspiration from psychedelic rock, with the odd reference to bands like Rush or other AOR-style bands from the 70s and the 80s. The complexity and intricacy of the instrumentals are eerily inspired by Tool, resulting in mammoth pieces approaching the nine-minute mark more often than not.

There are moments of beauty and parts where Nake undeniably proves their great instrumental and songwriting prowess through spectacular arrangements that almost demand a DR musikhuset type of venue. Yet the songs are way too long to keep your interest throughout. A good example is "Weaver", which starts with Westworld-worthy cinematic melodies. It takes its listener towards wild west-style landscapes with hints of sci-fi in the mix, but takes reaaalllly looooong to get going, and doesn't have an impactful moment until almost halfway through the song.

The lack of vocals means we're stuck listening to instrumental wankery for almost an hour. Sure, they are brilliant musicians and are able to stitch together complicated arrangements with occasional ingenuity. But is that enough? I fail to see Nake convincing the non-niché audiences why they should spend nine minutes per song in an exercise of "look at all the cool things I can do with my guitars and my pedals". Decent, but it's one of those you'll have forgotten by summer.

Download: Offering, Traveler
For the fans of: Devin Townsend, Tool, Pelican, Rush
Listen: Facebook

Release date 26.01.2024
Self-Released