The definition of elegance is something that's simple, but effective. Gazpacho meets this definition to a tee. The music is not complex to the ears, but it is both intriguing and intricate. The brilliance of the music is very subtle. The music is ultra-sophisticated in how each instrument ponders every note before making a single sound. The placement of everything is carefully thought out. The sequence and production will remind someone of a Steven Wilson project. Atmospheric sounds and sound bytes are used sparingly, but applied wisely. The album is progressive rock, but yet it still has the accessibility of Tears for Fears, U2, and INXS.

Nobody in the band handles more than their assigned share. Each responsibility is adequately fulfilled, but never overdone. This is where the band excels. The melodies and rhythms are rationed out with economic portions. There aren't unnecessary layers or gratuitous extras. Jan H. Ohme sings with heart-wrenching lyrics. Joining Jan is Thomas Andersen on Keyboards, Jon-Arne Vilbo on guitars, and Roy Funner on bass. These musicians expertly handle their instruments. Rather than bombard the listener with a flurry of sound, their instruments are carefully plucked and patted with pinpoint precision. As for the percussion elements, that's a whole different story than the rest. The music marches to the beat of a different drummer, literally. Robert R. Johansen technique is a hybrid between rock and jazz. There are even parts that readily invoke images of a drum line in a marching band. His contributions, especially matched with Roy's timing on the bass, make this album special.

Think of Tears for Fears performing Pink Floyd's The Wall and you probably have a partial idea of When Earth Lets Go. To get a complete picture, you'll have to hear the album yourself. There are aspects to the music that are truly original. It isn't so much what they add to the music, but what they achieve with such a frugal formula. If you like Blackfield or any of Stephen Wilson's tamer works, you may like Gazpacho. There is virtually no effort needed to grasp the music. When Earth Lets Go is a gulp of liquid vitamins. The fluids are readily absorbed into the system. The benefits are felt instantly. The music is sure to lift your spirits. The album is relaxing and dreamy. The intelligence comes from its delicate ways. Gazpacho uses minimalist methods that result in a truly extravagant experience.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2004 Year Book Volume 1 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.