Browsing Tag

Athens

Hope overcomes fear in the live recording in the woods of Lara Eidi’s folk ballad, Maybe Then

Posted on 26 December 2023

When so many folk artists find their muses amongst natural phenomena, Lara Eidi’s live performance in the woods of her latest single, Maybe Then, will make you question why the acoustics of nature aren’t a more common setting for recordings.

Maybe Then is a captivating continuation of her previous singles, Breathe Love, and Summer Winds within the depth of the spirituality and connectivity to the organic nature of reality many forget we exist in.

Her dynamic operatic vocal range projects melancholic uncertainty and fear against nothing more than quivering cello strings and open atmosphere, which readily drinks in the sombreness within the folk ballad, armouring Maybe Then with heavy emotional artillery, ensuring that every arcanely harmonised and succinctly held note strikes every conceivable visceral chord as it drifts into the woods of Immitos Mountains in Athens and nuancedly advocates for hope for peace and unity following the genocide of Palestinian civilians.

Watch the live performance of Maybe Then via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Surf Punk’s Up in The Dead Beast Initiative’s Latest Single, Small Things

Posted on 19 December 2023

The Dead Beast Initiative’s surf punk hit, Small Thing, is a rancorously electrifying track that cements the Athens-based duo as indomitable purveyors of antagonistic rock. Orfeas Georgakopoulos on guitar and Sotiris Georgakopoulos with vocals and drums have concocted a sonic cocktail that is as magnetic as it is confrontational, echoing the protestive bite of Rage Against the Machine and the rolling rhythms of Eagles of Death Metal.

Small Thing is a masterclass in controlled chaos. The track opens with gritty, riff-centred guitars that immediately grab your attention. The energy is relentless, driving forward with a ferocity that is both thrilling and intimidating. Sotiris’ vocals are a force to be reckoned with – loud, scathing, and dripping with disdain. His delivery is a perfect match for the in-your-face percussion, creating a sound that is as raw as it is refined. The song’s message is clear and potent: don’t be a passive bitch. This ethos is woven into every aspect of the track, from the lyrics to the unyielding instrumentation.

The Dead Beast Initiative’s influences – ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Audioslave – are evident, yet the band has managed to create a sound that is uniquely their own. Their music is a refreshing take on rock n’ roll, blending elements of hard rock with a sincerity that is often missing in the genre. It will leave listeners kneeling at the altar of rock n roll.

Small Things hit the airwaves on December 12th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Boils Deep: New City Temples helps us overcome those heavy obstacles on Silence

Posted on 1 November 2022

Seeking that survivor’s armor to keep away from any darkness that shall break even the strongest souls, New City Temples just wants those nightmares to end on the hardcore new single that needs to be heard called Silence.

New City Temples are an indie Athens, Greece-based alt-rock/metal power team who force lift our ears into a whole fresh territory on each of their speaker-smashers.

”Lyrically, it was born during the quarantine era and it shows. Personal mental issues is the main theme of the song and how the loss of loved ones can cause a further spiral into depression.” ~ New City Temples

Hammering into our lives with a convincing performance that will get our minds a real shake, New City Temples show us that the hype is real and they’re ready for world domination. Their sound is gripping and shall set the atmosphere for whatever demons need conquering.

Silence from Athens, Greece-based alt-rock/metal band New City Temples is a hugely memorable single for anyone who needs to get away from those heavy dreams. Performed with so much heart and vigor with a forceful energy, this is a single which so many of us will relate to.

Venting out that frustration when you just want quiet is the only thing which shall set you free.

Listen up to their Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

JKLN shows us the tears and blood that have spilt onto the terrorized streets with, ‘Welcome to Ukraine’

Posted on 25 May 2022

As the undeserved slaughter continues when the shaken world needed peace and understanding instead of terrifying carnage, JKLN has dropped a song that should shock many who are still wondering why this happened with her latest release, ‘Welcome to Ukraine‘.

JKLN (pronounced Jacqueline) is a Kyiv, Ukraine-born, Athens, Greece-raised, Berlin, Germany-based indie electronic artist and music producer.

”Combining deep and dark electronic dance productions with dreamy pop-inspired vocals JKLN has crafted a sound that blurs the lines between different musical worlds.” ~ JKLN

With a menacing tone that seems to somehow take you onto the battlefield to witness the sad destruction, JKLN is rather magnificent with a powerful performance that shall have your heart palpitating with fear as you imagine the absolute butchery that has taken place without cause.

‘Welcome to Ukraine‘ from Berlin, Germany-based indie electronic artist/music producer JKLN is a thunderous release that is packed with mystery and a heavy beat that shall awaken you rather quickly. This Ukraine-born artist has understandably been affected by the current war and sends us an epic soundtrack, to invite us inside the despair that has killed and displaced millions who deserved much better.

Showing us her music progression that has reached a world-class level, this is a reminder that the world isn’t fair sometimes but through music, we can understand the story a bit better if we open up our ears.

Hear this top new single on Spotify and see more on the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Korfian overcomes his stifling doubts on the heavy new track ‘Sabotage’

Posted on 30 March 2022
Sabotage by Korfian

After the intensity of his previous Cardinal-inspired single ‘White Smoke’, Korfian returns with his original aplomb-packed ambience that never ceases to stun even the most open-minded on his latest ear-rattler, ‘Sabotage‘.

Korfian is an Athens, Greece-based alternative artist and graphic designer, Spyros Psarras, who assembles that type of sound which is perfect for dramatic movies that need a compelling soundtrack.

”The project began in 2015 after a personal breakdown and got released in the form of a 4-track EP named Baroque in 2017. A year after, Baroque is followed by the 5-track Event Horizon led by Territorial, a signature Korfian anthem about possessiveness and obsession.” ~ Korfian

With a vocal ability that sets him far apart from his peers, Korfian is a magnificent artist that always makes songs that are away from any sort of cheesy fad and only seems to create that sizzling kind of firey melody you’ll find hard to forget.

‘Sabotage‘ from the multi-skilled Athens, Greece-based alternative artist Korfian, sends a shiver down our bodies as this is honest music at its most creative. This is the story about finding that belief that has been locked inside you so deep, you had to pull it out with all the muscle you could muster up all at once. He sounds composed, ready to strive higher than before and with this comprehensively inspired form, to send the world something to truly be excited by. He has certainly succeeded with his musical skill to dazzle those who are looking for something different to listen to.

Listen up to this new single on Bandcamp and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Clocks Are Standing Still: Angils wonders deeply in the darkness on ‘Time Still’

Posted on 25 December 2021

Following up on their previous release called ‘Arising‘, Angils yearns for things to speed up so that they may live in peace again with the latest single that is sung with much fervent vigour on ‘Time Still‘.

Angils is a Greek indie-rock band. Recorded at the well-known Lizard Sound Studios in Athens, this is an introspective track that has certainly been made with high quality in mind for the seasoned listener.

Showing us inside his mind as he tries to get into that happy light-filled place where he wants to be thriving inside, Angils gives us an old school experience that is a timeless track we can all lather in reflectively. There is much to like about such a riveting track that keeps you on tenterhooks the whole way through and feels like it belongs in a dramatic movie.

‘Time Still‘ from the Greek indie-rock band Angils, is a vividly-described song that has been made with classic energy that is filled with deep vocals and quality guitar solos that reminds you of better times. This is the type of nostalgic wonder you have been waiting for, as it grips you close and shakes all that slumber off your body. You will probably be playing this again and again, as you turn the volume up and let it heal your whole soul from any self-doubt you may be encountering.

Hear this deep audio on YouTube and see more via the Twitter music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Always Believe: Matt Marlow finds his soul again from within to truly shine like a ‘Light’

Posted on 27 November 2021

After enduring such a potentially soul-crushing year as the emotional pain was at an all-time breaking point due to so many sudden tragedies, Matt Marlow decided to do something about it and fearlessly ventured into making music that conclusively helped his heart see the ‘Light‘.

Matt Marlow is an Athens, Georgia-based indie-pop solo artist and dawg dad who sings with that gritty determination that only comes when you want it enough.

”It’s crazy what can happen when you believe in yourself. That’s what this kid is all about. From a shitty 2020 being alone due to Covid, losing both grandpas, his dog, and the end of a relationship, I was lost and depressed, to say the least.” ~ Matt Marlow

Matt Marlow shines a bright light on what happened in the past and how he had to fight so hard to dig himself out of a quick-sand hole so deep, that it almost took him under forever. After losing so many close ones – he can now smile and be happy again – as he has found that creative outlet that was missing his whole life.

‘Light‘ from the Athens, Georgia-based indie-pop solo artist and massive Braves baseball fan Matt Marlow, is such a beaming revelation that only brings joy to all those who are lucky enough to witness this excellent track. It’s incredible to think that this is a relative newcomer who is only finding his feet in this world, as he brings a smile to many faces who have been through so much hardship lately. This is an absolute gem that is sung with so much true grace and love, that is unquestionably one of the best pop releases so far in 2021.

Check out this quality song from a truly exhilarating artist via Spotify and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Following The Pattern: Korfian returns with Catholic Church-inspired ‘White Smoke’

Posted on 26 April 2021

The unique Korfian is back with a hypnotizing new single all about the story of the Cardinal on a song that will have you thinking within on ‘White Smoke’.

Korfian is the music project of indie recording artist and graphic designer, Spyros Psarras who is based in Athens, Greece.

With influences such as Zola Jesus, Woodkid, Florence + The Machine, Ladytron and iamamiwhoami, you can feel his tense beat style of music, as you know you are witnessing an artist who makes music to satisfy his creative urges, not to be involved in any type of fad.

You feel his vocals wash over you, as he takes us through a lesson in history with his storytelling ability and knowledge about the subject. The lyrics open the door and lead you in, as the haunting melody flashes intensely into your eyes.

‘White Smoke’ from Korfian is the song that will have you in a gaze, as you think about your own beliefs and religion. This is a song that feels movie-like and will be in your mind for a while, as you try and take it all in.

Stream this new song on his YouTube and follow the IG for more release news.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Dust to gold: Greek band Pulse. raise our heartbeat with the terrific ‘Red World’

Posted on 15 March 2021

Taken off their latest eight-track album recorded with a real purpose in mind, Pulse. illuminate our minds with the vividly stunning effort called ‘Red World‘.

Pulse. are a Athens, Greece five-piece alternative indie-rock act with a clear vision for making music to help bring us closer together, in this polluted world full of garbage and divisiveness.

Inspired by the different cities they have been to over the years, you can certainly feel the British-fused sound lighting up their three guitar core and strong vocals, that only transmits a welcome edge that is so sharp and mighty.

This is the story of finding that person you used to be, through a special lover that lights up your mind again. The world is red right now as it burns to the ground and by meeting that mind-changing human, you can find the open door again and flourish like you should.

The electric guitar sizzle captures your body into a different type of trance you are used to, as their energy has your heart beating extra fast to their whirlwind sounds of magnificence.

‘Red World‘ from powerful Greek five-piece gems Pulse., is a translucent sound of meaningful emotions from a riveting band that play music to bring this planet happiness, away from all the bad things going on. This is a sterling effort that sprays only sunshine through the cloudy skies.

Hear this top track on Soundcloud and see more info about future live shows soon on their IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A thing for battle scars: Georgia’s Sarah Mootz misses their parents and ‘The Dog’ on heartfelt breakup story

Posted on 17 February 2021

With a lusciously classy voice that is so lovable you just want to hug her, Sarah Mootz is supremely self-reflective on the passionate story about being used in a relationship she regrets on ‘The Dog‘.

Sarah Mootz is a spirited Athens, Georgia indie-pop songwriter, who sings passionately with that inner desire to teach others to be themselves and to embrace their quirks and flaws, whilst always being authentic and real, no matter what the small-minded say.

Her honest vocals strike your heart instantly as you remember being in her place before, with someone that is only with you for one reason and as soon as its done, you just miss their family and that’s it. You feel like it was actually a waste of time romantically but at least you made a new friend in the pup and had a strong connection with their parents. Lyrics about not listening to your Dad adds so much to the story, when you are young you always think you know better but should of trusted their instincts.

The chorus so marvelously catchy and you can’t help but feel for her, as you close your eyes and remember those times when you thought you were with the right person. Her lyrics are so touching and the splendid soundscape takes you into a different world, while feeling sad at times but knowing that she will find her true love, through the darkness after all.

‘The Dog‘ from the syrup-tipped voice of Georgia’s Sarah Mootz, is a true story of being with someone that didn’t love you as much as you cared for them. The harsh but valuable lesson has been learnt and it might make you a bit colder for a while, but hopefully the warmth will come back into your heart, so you can love like you should again. Those battle scars always heal over time and make you stronger.

Hear this wonderfully authentic single on her Spotify and find out more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen