A Desert Mirage that Turns into a 70s Chase Scene?
NOR.BE’s “Once” opens with a laid-back big band motif before swiftly shifting into sun-baked, eastern-tinged sonic territory. Blending progressive rock, jazz fusion, and classical orchestration, the composer and guitarist establishes a soundscape that balances effortless cool with dramatic tension. This instrumental piece relies entirely on texture and contrast to convey its emotional weight, mapping out a musical journey where ancient motifs collide with modern sensibilities.
The production builds around a dialogue between tradition and virtuosity. Bright brass arrangements lay down a suave initial rhythm, soon interweaving with what could be described as Arabic colours that evoke windswept deserts. NOR.BE’s fluid guitar solos cut through the mix with melodic clarity, anchored by the work of Vinnie Colaiuta and Mohini Dey. As violins enter, the track reaches a panoramic, cinematic scale, punctuated by wordless vocal wails that blend into the arrangement. The piece’s definitive moment arrives at the midpoint: an unexpected pivot into an upbeat, strutting 1970s funk groove reminiscent of a scene from a Tarantino film. This sharp gear-shift transforms a desert soundscape into a higher-octane pursuit. Wild solos arrive unannounced, leaving the listener with no choice but to be captivated. The piece concludes with a slowdown and a return to the subdued theme that started it all. A gradual unraveling into the final moments is both drawn out and organic. The feeling at the conclusion of the track is a blend of amazement and bewilderment; you don’t know what just happened, but it certainly was awe-inspiring.
“Once” is a dynamic arrangement demonstrating that instrumental music can deliver a narrative arc without a single lyric. Stream Once and follow NOR.BE on YouTube and social media to stay up to date.
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-Stephen Choi for Up and Comers
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