Underworld Shakedown

Sun Of Nothing - The Guilt Of Feeling Alive [CTS, 2010]

2011-06-03T03:37:00.000-07:00

Following their previous two masterpieces, Sun of Nothing, the spearhead of Greek sonic extremity’s vanguard, are ready to release in collaboration with CTS Productions their third full length album, entitled The Guilt of Feeling Alive. Beyond black metal bleakness, post-metal ingenuity and post-punk numbness, incorporating Koreisch’s cross-genre eclecticism and Godflesh’s nihilistic aura, combining Shining’s catatonic chord pounding, Khanate’s crawling gloom and Discordance Axis’ ear crushing sonic blasts - Sun of Nothing manage to create a sonic identity that’s both personal and radical. Surpassing any easy categorization, they create their unquestionably greatest and richest release to date, adding the peak to an imaginary triptych - a memorial dedicated to the sonic violence and the inner darkness.

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Planet Of Zeus - Macho Libre [B-Otherside, 2011]

2011-06-03T03:26:00.000-07:00

Planet Of Zeus were formed back in 2000,when Babis and Yog decided that they could not express themselves within the bands they had played til then. Two years later the band was eventually established as a trio with J.V. on the bass. The band started giving high-energy live performances, playing with several greek bands in Athens and eventually allover Greece. In the summer of 2004 they decided that the time had come to stop fooling around and record their first demo cd (LOOP 430). The second recording of the band took place almost one year after Loop 430. Two of the band's songs were included in the first two Spinalonga Records compilations "In the Junkyard vol.1 and 2". On July '06 Planet of Zeus finally started the recordings of their debut album which came to be "Eleven the Hard Way". At the beginning of year 2007 a new member came on board. Yog grabbed the guitar and Serapheim G. took Yog's place behind the drums. Eventually, "Eleven the Hard Way" was released worlwide on 21st of April 2008, by Casket Music/Copro Records (UK) .During all these years, Planet of Zeus have just been trying to enjoy themselves playing music and continue what bands like Motorhead, Black Sabbath, and Jimi Hendrix's Experience were doing in the past as well as mixing it with todays heavy sound and their own personal flavour. Some bands landed on planet earth to change the face of music...some other bands just came to rock...and that's what Planet of Zeus best do...

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The Dive - The Dive [Spinalonga, 2011]

2011-06-03T03:18:00.000-07:00

Surviving in Athens, influenced and drenched by city rats and the rancid stench lurking in the atmosphere, the Dive put out their debut album. Dark in its most cheerful of melodies, sonic even in its silence, this album manifests its own, peculiar soundprint…

Three Way Plane - Give Us Something New To Shout [Spinalonga, 2011]

2011-06-03T03:08:00.000-07:00

Three Way Plane are a three piece band which was formed at the end of 2003. February 2004: their first gig takes place at An Club. Several concerts with friendly bands followed in Athens and Thessaloniki. One of their best experiences was playing as an opening act for Savage Republic, Senser and Gallon Drunk. Their music is a cross-over of punk rock, indie rock and post hardcore but always with experimental tendencies... 3WP try to be open-minded and create music spontaneously through jamming and improvisation. Therefore they just combine their ideas and write music for their songs. Stratos writes the lyrics talking about anything that distracts his mind. In 2006 they released their EP "Bright Days" in DIY terms and the song "My Best Friend" was also included in the second Spinalonga Records compilation: "In The Junkyard Vol 2". Their debut LP entitled "Give Us Something New To Shout" is out now from Spinalonga Records!

May Roosevelt - Haunted [self-released, 2011]

2011-04-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

Influenced by the very reverend trinity of Bach, Bjork and Klaus Nomi, May Roosevelt is an extraordinary thereminist, composer and producer with a sense for good, old-fashioned drama. Her classical arrangements will give you the shivers (or, at the very least, remind you of movies that gave you the shivers), with nods to early industrial or electronic music and a passing resemblance to the god of thunder behind a theremin. Like many people, she got into music via her first Casio synth as a kid. If her knack for otherworldly sounds is anything to go by, that Casio must have been possessed by some very restless and musical ghosts.

Plastic Flowers - Meltdown EP [self-released, 2011]

2011-04-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Naono - Sleepy Pebbles [Archaic Horizon, 2010]

2011-04-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

With an inward flow, Naono's 'Sleepy Pebbles' is a solitary ambient album focused on the inner self. It's lonesome yet comforting in its ability to convey a sense of familiarity through quiet and calming sounds. Gradual shifts in pace and beats that whirl like the eddies of a current, 'Sleepy Pebbles' goes with the flow. Sonics are soft and smooth as if worn by time and the natural elements. Naono forms atmospheres of blues and greys and invokes a hermetical sound that places the listener into a state comfort and inner unity.

Minor Mine - Where They Go [self-released, 2010]

2011-02-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

Various Artists - Radio Lunatica 2 [VIM, 2010]

2011-02-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

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Nalyssa Green - Barock [self-released, 2010]

2011-02-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

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Gloire Carton - Stop Poking My Balloon [self-released, 2010]

2011-02-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

Gloire Carton is a music artist from Athens, Greece. She was a member of the band Couch Potatoes until their dissolution in 2007. After that, she decided to start a solo project of hers, going by the moniker “GloryBox”. Soon enough, she had her first works uploaded in her myspace webpage and organizing her first solo gigs. In 2008 she compiled some of her recordings into CD, thus making it an album of her works named Unzip My Ventilated View. Near the end of 2009 she dropped the “GloryBox” moniker and adopted the present naming of “Gloire Carton”. In her live show performances she’s always supported by her friendly session members. Nalyssa and Tonti Prodnic are the most recognized. In July 2010, Gloire Carton released her second album Stop poking my balloon. From now on Gloire Carton won’t be a solo project but a band. Thieves and Kid_A are the new members and there’s one more to be added soon…

Various Artists - I Can Hear It Now EP [Cast-a-Blast, 2010]

2011-01-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

A Cast-A-Blast Massive Joint featuring: Blend aka Mishkin w/ African Simba, BNC w/ Elephant Phinix, Larry Gus, Kill Emil Meets Mr. Tea & Palov. I Can Hear It Now EP is compiled to showcase the A to Z sound spectrum of Cast-A-Blast in 2010, A Summer time banger for the hottest of days and coolests of nights, a record to satisfy even the most demanding DJ and eclectic listener.

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GDaddie aka Gone (x3) - The Truth EP [Dusted Wax Kingdom, 2011]

2011-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Athens based beatsmith Gone (x3) returns behind the new monicker GDaddie, bringing a fresh music portion of groovy basslines, abstract hip-hop beats and tasty cuts of jazzy samples. Enjoy!

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Bad Karaoke - Bad Karaoke [self-released, 2010]

2011-01-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

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Acid Baby Jesus - Acid Baby Jesus [self-released, 2010]

2011-01-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Best garage rock band in Athens, GR. Best garage rock band in the world?

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Five Star Hotel - This Sound [On Stage, 2010]

2010-11-08T03:37:00.000-08:00

Five Star Hotel is a greek band that plays indie pop tunes with english lyrics. The idea was given around 2001 while Giorgos and Giannis were studying in the UK. But it wasn't until they came back to Thessaloniki a couple of years later that the band was finally formed. They have supported "Six by Seven", "Electralane", "Saint Etienne" and "Ladytron" leaving the best impressions with their performance. Their song "I want you" was included in the compilation "Enjoy the Greeks!" and the compilation "Coca Cola Soundwave - vol.1" includes the song "Sunshine". Their first single was "This is the night" by Onstage Records and their debut LP "This Sound" is out now.

Mary's Flower Superhead - Sway [Shift, 2010]

2010-10-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

They started playing under the current line up in 2003. After three years of rehearsals, studio work and plenty of live gigs in Thessaloniki and Athens (Greece) they released their first self titled album in January 2006 from Polytropon rec. That album was clearly influenced by the American indie, post punk scene which was the main influence of the band at that time as well. Meanwhile the band was constantly experimenting on their sound introducing more groovy elements to their music. In 2007 they recorded two new tracks (Tokyo and No second chances) that created a high anticipation for the band’s new album. So in October 2008 the band started recording their new material and the new album named "Sway" is completed and realeased on the 1st of March 2010. The sound of the album could very easily be characterised as disco-punk since the disco beat, the groovy basslines and the distorted quitars strike your ear from the very begining of it.

George Nikas - How To Live In Open Spaces [Island Def Jam, 2010]

2010-10-19T14:20:00.001-07:00

George Nikas is no stranger to music. Singer-songwriter and member of the popular Greek indie band Zebra Tracks, George has toured extensively in the Balkans with the Zebra’s performing at Greece’s Ejekt Festival (2010) supporting Bad Religion and Faith No More, Serbia’s Exit Festival (2010), Macedonia’s Alarm Festival (2010) Croatia’s Urban Fest (2006) and the Athens Open Air Festival alongside the Kaiser Chiefs, Long Blondes and Good Shoes in 2007. That year, acclaimed musician Brian Molko of Placebo was impressed enough to hand-pick the Zebra Tracks to open their Athens show in front of 7,000 people. 2010 sees George Nikas transitioning from band member to solo artist, with the recording of his debut album How to Live in Open Spaces. Musically, under the influence of indie folk icons Ben Harper, Jack Johnson and Ryan Adams, the album results in a collection of melodic guitar hooks, heartfelt lyrics and an exuberantly painted picture of nostalgia. Having come a long way from meticulously teaching himself to play the guitar, Nikas’ poignant and elegantly crafted song-writing have propelled him on a path toward his solo breakout.

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Expert Medicine - Perfect Maniac [The Sound Of Everything, 2010]

2010-08-11T04:37:00.000-07:00

After a four year absence from discography, Expert Medicine return with new material and a completely new sound proposal. "Perfect Maniac" comprises nine new songs, a rework of the older "Chase", as well as a remix. Their sound maintains in the background the rock-funk and acid jazz influences of the past, embracing a strong contemporary pop mood and retro electro dance forms. Babis Kourtaras on bass and vocals, Andeas Siourounis on drums and vocals, Alexis Zamparas on guitars and Tom Pitikakis/Dj Everlast on the decks and samplers, are the four musicians who along with sound engineer Akis Paschalakis, are the Expert Medicine of 2010. Along with them, Stella Chronopoulou, that gives her special voice and unique style to two tracks.

B-sides - Story Without End [B-otherSide, 2010]

2010-08-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

The band B-sides is the evolution of the music journey of a company of friends that started at the end of 1999. After approximately 5 years of live gigs, live club appearances and song recordings that group broke up. The two guitarists and bass player decided to continue with a new drummer and no singer. After changing their drummer and a few months later adding a singer, B-sides found the sound and personal style they desired and decided to get it out to the public. In December 2008 B-sides' first official release comes from B-otherSide Records. A limited edition 7 inch vinyl single entitled "Queen" in special vinyl mastered form. Another 7 inch vinyl single followed, entitled "Kill", leading to the release of the band's debut album "Story Without End", once again by B-otherside Records.

Gone (x3) - Gone EP [Dusted Wax Kingdom, 2009]

2010-08-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

Monika - Exit [Archangel, 2010]

2010-07-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Monika is back with a brand new album "Exit", two years after the pleasant surprise of "Avatar" which made her known to the public as the most talented young songwriter. "Exit" clearly states that Monika is here to stay, and masterfully manages to overcome the hurdle of the "difficult" second album. An atmospheric journey that connects the modern with the timeless and the rich feeling of Greek melodies with the sophisticated global pop scene.  Monika is more extrovert than ever, but still emotional and revealing in another highly personal work.

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Nechayevschina - Equalizer/Yeniçeri EP [self-released, 2009]

2010-06-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

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Blend aka Mishkin feat. Elephant Phinix - Press Forward (Remixes) [Cast-a-Blast, 2010]

2010-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Press Forward Remixes features nine brand new versions by Ekelon, Turntable Dubbers, Dj Palov, Illbred Bazin, Gary Poter, Bnc, Kill Emill, Logos Apeilh, JMelik and Billa Qause..

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Gloire Carton - Unzip My Ventilated View [self-released, 2009]

2010-04-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

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Playground Noise - Playground Noise [Inner Ear, 2010]

2010-04-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Sweetness, dreams, failure, romance, melancholy, books, records, films, myths, ordinary life, love and the lack of it, weakness, kisses, guitars, sadness, piano, lyrics, strength, drums, loyalty, pictures of childhood, bass, coloured memories and playground noise. This is Playground Noise's debut album, released on February 2010 by Inner Ear Records.

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Playground Noise - Flowers/Sundays 7'' [Inner Ear, 2008]

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My Wet Calvin - All Great Events [Archangel, 2010]

2010-04-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

The band that built its reputation on the underground indie scene of Athens by exalting DIY, tramples all of its ideals by finally signing a record deal for the release of its debut album. "All Great Events" by "My Wet Calvin" is a collection of older songs and new compositions that extends to shoegaze soundscapes and dreamy pop-rock atmospheres, multi-level guitars, drums, white noise, electro backing and fragile voices. The originality of this particular album is, however, another fact: each copy is unique. Each ‘All Great Events’ has a different handmade cover, spray painted by the band itself and from those found at SIX D.O.G.S. in Athens, the week that the white covers were displayed at the gallery space.

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Electric Litany - How To Be A Child & Win The War [Inner Ear, 2010]

2010-03-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Electric Litany consist of a Greek (Alexandros Miaris - Vocals, guitars, piano), a Texan (Duane Petrovich - Bass) and a Devonshire Farm boy (Richard Simic - Drums). The three piece spent the past two years rehearsing in abandoned buildings and performing intimate shows in venues across Europe. The much anticipated debut album 'How to be a child and win the war' was released early 2010 on Inner Ear Records.

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HA!RIOT - Life 2 Share [Mofa, 2009]

2010-03-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

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May Roosevelt - Panda, A Story About Love And Fear [Coo, 2009]

2010-03-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

Thereminst May Roosevelt was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. Her first encounter with a musical instrument was at the age of twelve, when she took to violin lessons. Nine years later her violin was replaced by a theremin, one of the earliest electronic musical instrument invented in 1919, by Leon Theremin. Aside her personal projects, May Roosevelt has collaborated with several musicians and bands in Greece. She is currently working as a graphic designer.

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Afformance - A Glimpse To The Days That Pass [Catch The Soap/CTS, 2010]

2010-02-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

In April 2005 John, CV and Petros formed Afformance. Instrumental soundscapes inspired by post rock, alternative, ambient and postcore scenes, began to take form. Sometime later Dennis and Fotis completed the line-up and the band started to rehearse, record and work on their own music.

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Absent Without Leave - Resound EP [Chat Blanc, 2008]

2010-01-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

Absent Without Leave is the solo project of George Mastrokostas, based in Athens, Greece. Recording everything himself in his home-studio, he creates a melancholic sound that covers a multitude of styles such as shoegaze, post-rock, ambient and electronica.

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Vello Leaf - Tonight, I'm Leaving... [Insight Room, 2009]

2010-01-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

Vello Leaf is a dream pop band formed in December 1999 by Nikos Grivakis, Michalis Koulieris and Apostolis Lionoudakis in Chania, Greece. Their music is described by the female ethereal vocals, the sweet melancholic melodies and the dreamy atmosphere. They tend to combine their cinematic sound with several kinds of art, such as theatre, film or video art. Having already recorded two self-released EPs and written music for several theatrical performances under the name "deep.insight", Vello Leaf made their break-through in December 2006, releasing their debut-EP "Morning Star" (featuring female vocals by Alexandra Mckay) which got praising reviews from the press and was later voted at the top-15 of 2007 in Greece by the readers of Avopolis & Sonik music magazine. Reception of the album was beyond expectations and songs from "Morning Star" were included in various compilations, such as Dimitris Papaspyropoulos’ "Silent Wonder" (Sony-BMG), the soundtrack of the movie "Alter Ego" (Village Films), and "City Campers" (The Sound Of Everything). Their full length album "Tonight, I’m Leaving…" is released in December ‘09 - celebrating 10 years since the creation of the band - and it will contain 8 new songs featuring Alexandra McKay and Evira (Abbie Gale) on vocals. The album comes in deluxe packaging with a spectacular artwork by painter Kate Alizadeh.

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Larry Gus - Stitches [Cast-a-Blast, 2009]

2010-01-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

Panagiotis Melidis (born and grew up in Veria, Greece) started to write music as Larry Gus (larigas: greek for throat, larynx) in 2006, inspired by the rural enviroment of his hometown. His early influences have been Creedence Clearwater Revival and Minor Threat. He had been member of the seminal bass and drums duo Ginger, fusing hardcore punk aesthetics and hip hop beats. When Ginger broke up, he started composing music for TV commercials, which were in fact his first works as Larry Gus. Later on, he got his name due to some chaotic live perfomances, incorporating live looping techniques in an improvised pop manner. He has played alongside Caribou, Ariel Pink, !!!, Deadbeat, John Maus, Mike Slott and has also participated at the 2nd Athens Biennial and 2nd Nuit Blanche à Metz. Recently, he has resided at the Music Technology Group of Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona (Reactable, Freesound) as a postgraduate student.

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The You And What Army Faction - Fixx [More Mars, 2009]

2010-01-16T03:21:00.000-08:00

"The You and What Army Faction is an artistic expression of the inexpressible. Music of chances. Sound, nightmare and scream trading. Art of zero potential and endless possibilities. Self-taught sounds and visuals. Living Dream juice. We become savages, advancing against society. We 're voices etched on sandpaper. We're here to hurt and disappoint. We feed on Art for breakfast. Art for lunch. Art for dinner. Punk for diet. Skate for peace."

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Inverz - Slow [Phantom Channel, 2009]

2010-01-16T02:31:00.000-08:00

Inverz is Thessaloniki-born Savvas Metaxas, who runs the excellent Granny Records stable. 'Slow' is the third Inverz release to date, a suite of four meticulously crafted long-form compositions that transcend the standard notions of Ambient/Drone. 'Everything In Order' bathes in dreamy reverb, like Labradford or Chihei Hatakeyama at their most thoughtful. The title track tantalizingly weaves fretboard scratches, human breath and flickers of static round cut and spliced guitar recalling Fridge at their most experimental. The slide-rule attention to detail of both book ending pieces ('Home End' & 'New Found Lands, New Found Sounds', on the other hand, shows why Metaxas was hand-picked to collaborate with Greg Haines and perform with Machinefabriek. A very fine piece of work indeed..

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Zebra Tracks - A Family Picture From... [Sonic Playground, 2009]

2010-01-12T04:03:00.001-08:00

Although Zebra Tracks was reborn on November of 2005, the Zebra concept existed since the early 00's. Their first release in early 2006 was the double A-side single Silicone Valley/Borealis Fallacia. The sales of the CD single (700 copies) and the number of tickets in the concerts were an unexpected success. In June 2007 the Zebra Tracks EP is released and distributed by Sonic Playground. It receives great critics, hits No1 in the indie record shop Vinyl Microstore and stays there for 3 months. It’s also voted 4th best Greek release of 2007, by the readers of the Velvet magazine. During 2008 the band spends most of its time in studio recording the debut full-length album 'A family picture from… Zebra Tracks', which was finally released in October 2009 by Sonic Playground Records.

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Vassilikos - Vintage [Sony, 2009]

2010-01-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Vassilkos, lead singer of Raining Pleasure on a cover album, featuring 13 of his favorite songs he wishes he had written. Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Across The Universe, All Tomorrow's Parties, Sealed With A Kiss, Moon River and many more, arranged and played by Vassilikos.

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Fruto 5 - 24 Ways To Make Marmalade Out Of Plain Paper [self-released, 2009]

2010-01-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

Fruto 5 is a homemade artist, composing electronik musik in a 3x2 room. The only hardware he uses is his PC. Everytime he completes composing an album, he makes some hundreds of copies and distributes it for free in certain places in Athens (BIOS, Discobole, Vinyl Microstore, Cafeina etc).

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Lumiere Brother - Fiction [Archangel, 2009]

2009-12-09T02:19:00.000-08:00

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Chromata - Chromata [Coo, 2009]

2009-11-27T02:03:00.001-08:00

Chromata were formed in 2006 by Eva and Fil Ieropoulos, who are sister and brother from the north of Greece. Eva has been composing music for children for years and Fil was always interested in micro-electronica, so the marriage of the two seemed inevitable in the form of child-like bitter-sweet electronic compositions. Their common love for Manos Hadjidakis led to the name ‘Chromata’ [colours], but the name was soon considered appropriate beyond this reference, as the music was described by many people as strongly cinematic. The band has released their first album at the beginning of 2009 on CooRecords.

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Info - We Choose The Moon [Klik/VIM, 2009]

2009-11-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

On the 26th of October 2009 Klik Records in cooperation with Vim Records presented Info's third album titled 'We Choose The Moon'. Yeap Info chose the moon. There, they made their small disco/karaoke/studio, they sang their memories from earth and they finished their third album. Their singing is leisured, sometimes deep and dark and others sweet and playful, just like space is supposed to be. They experiment with melodic guitars, house beats, electronica sounds and improvisations from processed vocals. The result is an amazing electronic collage of poetry, melody and dynamic rhythmical explosions that peak and fade in their broad, starry time and space. Active musicians and djs, Petros Magganaris (Echonomist) and Panagiotis Loukoumas (Mr. Lookman) a.k.a Info, present the contemporary electronic music with 5 musicians on stage: Despina Terzidou (Vocals), Panagiotis Loukoumas (Guitar), Petros Magganaris (Synth & Loops), Dj Booker (Scratch, turntables), Haris Kapetanakis (Sax) offering a unique electronic and sometimes dance music experience in every live, that combined to their always sweet melancholic aura, their cinematic element and their eroticism leads to something really outstanding. Their music of course has a platform that has it's base in the electronic music, but the tracks hide an always instrumental aspect.

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Pan Pan - Koon [self-released, 2009]

2009-11-01T03:42:00.001-08:00

Pan Pan (which stands for Panayiotis Pandazis) writes and draws comics and makes music about living in Athens (and about all the Athens he hasn’t visited yet).

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Dread Astaire - Playstation [Backstage, 2009]

2009-10-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

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Blend aka Mishkin - Sudden Death (A Field Guide To) [Cast-a-Blast, 2009]

2009-10-09T03:30:00.000-07:00

Blend (also known as Mishkin), ends up locking himself in the studio for three months with his mpc sampler, a big stack of records, loads of spoken words on vinyl (in fact this album is a paradise for the spoken word nerd), a turntable, a microphone…and in come the mc’s: BNC (Jeff Gonzalez), Elephant Phinix followed by The Kidd and Taki Tsan to add a personal spirit to his music! Other collaborations in the album include vocalist & keyboardist Serotone of Duke Abduction, guitarist Kill Emil of Cinecod, human beatbox Bitman, mythical punk rocker Stink, producer Strider and keyboardist Yiannis Dimitriadis of the Happy dog project. The beats are created by chopping a vast collection of sounds and music from vinyls and other external sources such as a casio 20 euro keybord, sirens, generators and music toys. Much detail is put by cutting, scratching and mixing bits of live shows, spoken words, comedy, horror and cartoons. The result is surely mindblowing with a flowing tracklist which sequels as if to tell a story. Sudden Death is an album with the philosophy of a mixtape, which was Blends idea in the first place, but manages to leave a complete musical stigma which is sure to hook its listeners up.

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Fingers Crossed - Hopscotch [self-released, 2008]

2009-10-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

Fingers Crossed are Dimitris Geronikolas (vocals), Yannos Paramythiotis (guitars), Minas Liakos (guitars), Viron Theodoropoulos (bass) and Serafeim Giannakopoulos (drums). Formed in 2002 the band resides in Athens, Greece. Their music could be described as highly energetic, melodic post-punk, indie rock ‘n roll with a subtle influence from the dj and electronic culture. In 2004 they released a split ep called “Enough for today”, with fellow band Intwoscars which was distributed by Ride ‘n Crush records. “Enough for today” is now out of print having sold 1000 units. In 2006 they contributed two of their songs, “Electrocult” and “Maybe”, to the soundtrack of the movie “EDUART”, a film by highly acclaimed greek director Angeliki Antoniou. “EDUART” won 9 awards at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, including one for Best Music, participated in every major film festival around the world scoring praising reviews and was the official Greek selection for the Oscars. “EDUART’S” soundtrack was released by EMI Greece and “Electrocult’s” video clip received great airplay from Greece’s music channel MAD making Fingers Crossed the first band to enjoy such success without having a record deal. Two of their songs, “Winter” and “A minor”, have been included at the Spinalonga Records compilations, “In the junkyard vol.1 and 2”, which also have gone out of print having sold 1000 units each. Having toured extensively around Greece, playing in every venue imaginable, sharing the stage with notable Greek and international artists Fingers Crossed release their first full length album “Hopscotch” in October 2008 which is available for free download directly from their site www.fingerscrossed.gr, including music, artwork, lyrics and a story written by the band, describing the process of making an album in such a manner.

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Exposed By Observers - Secondhand Youth [Sonic Playground, 2009]

2009-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

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Larry Gus - Iasmos [Oko, 2009]

2009-08-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

We were scratching our heads of what the hell to set up for orion’s 2nd birthday… almost no idea was coming ’till accidentally Chris Carras dropped the name of "Larry Gus". He was doing back then his military service in Xanthi and was already a name in the greek electronica scene. Without 2nd thoughts we asked him for a live set at the party and mix his sounds with children’s and our sounds. Without hesitation agreed. Did a lovely set but an evil eye managed to erase almost all of the recordings from our machines but an hour’s field recording set done via another machine. The 3rd birthday was near too, any kind of magic we performed couldn’t restore the erased digital files so larry spent less than 24 hours locked in his studio working on new material and using part of that field recording document of the party. The result is an 18 track cdr of fresh, joyous sounds where larry’s ideas & tracks and field recordings extracts are mixed in a blend of a gorgeous electronica! Taste it!

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Egg Hell - Egg Hell EP [self-released, 2009]

2009-08-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Egg Hell is a place where eggs go when they die. It is also the petite “musical project” of one Jef Maarawi. A singer/songwriter from Athens, Greece. He was born in 1990 in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, records his music at home, and is influenced by artists such as Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Nirvana, Daniel Johnston, and the Tiger Lillies.

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Eventless Plot - Ikon [Granny, 2009]

2009-08-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

Ikon is the latest work by Eventless Plot, following up their split album with Good Luck Mr Gorsky (granny02, 2008). In this album Eventless Plot approach an electro-acoustic sound using clarinet, piano, melodica and guitars blended with sampled recordings and processed electronics. As a result there is a complex ambience of sounds which provides the structure of the songs. Warm feedbacks, microsounds and rhythmic pulses create a jazz aesthetic which characterizes Ikon's sound. This is Eventless Plot's first full length album to date.

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Film - Persona [Inner Ear, 2009]

2009-06-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Film are coming back with their 3rd album release entitled Persona. After a long period of experimentation in the studio with the producer Hristos Lainas, working with the new voice Ifigenia Atkinson, Film sound is evolving to a different direction. Influenced by the compositions of Vangelis Papathanasiou and the analogue electronics, Persona is an atmospheric 11-track soundtrack with cinematic aesthetics. The album features Evira from Abbie Gale in 2 tracks and Manolis Angelakis (producer of the 2 previous albums) with slide guitars.

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The Prefabricated Quartet - Side The Sail [RunDevilRun, 2007]

2009-06-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

The Prefabricated Quartet, from Thessaloniki, Greece, are Michael Sionas (bass, double bass, voices), Dimitris Tasoudis (drums), Theodore Papadimitriou (cello), and cmyk (electric guitar). They composed, arranged and performed the music for some short films. The films that carry the sounds of the Prefabricated Quartet are: Tempest (2003), Protection (2005), Mines (2006), directed by Christos Nikoleris, The Cat (2005), Single String of Pearls (2006), directed by Vassilis D. Kehagias, In Music (2006), directed by Aris Kotronis. They formed the Prefabricated Quartet in order to perform and communicate their film music live and also to write songs based on it. The Prefabricated Quartet rehearses, composes and sometimes records its music in a prefabricated house in the woods. The Prefabricated Quartet’s album "Side the Sail" contains parts of the music that has been used in the soundtracks of some short films, and some songs inspired by the same musical components. Side the Sail was released by RunDevilRun records in January 2007 in a handmade carton package.

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Lolek - Alone [Inner Ear, 2009]

2009-06-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

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Gravitysays_i - The Roughest Sea [Sirius, 2007]

2009-06-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

The group gravitysays_i was created in the March of 2003 by Manos Paterakis and Nikos Retsos at the home studio of the latter in Piraeus with a view to embellishing with melodies their expectations, their lives, in a country which devours it’s children and the quality of being different, as the two creators perceive it. Their maiden appearance in the record industry, released by Sirius, comprises nine musical pieces, inspired by the egoism, the vanity and the aloofness of the contemporary man… A concept album of non-stop performance, where the electronic element meets the traditional instruments, while the minimal norms follow a general pop-rock current. Despina Stamati (voices) and Dimitris Chadjimitros (bass) have helped in the creation of "The roughest sea" and whose dynamic presence led to the accomplishment of debut album.

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Spy F & The Zakulas - s/t [Pop Art, 2003]

2009-06-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

Spy F & The Zakulas is a greek alternative rock - hip hop band based in Athens. Their debut album was released in 2003 by Pop Art Records following a few EPs and demos. Although they always work with lots of friends on their material their line up is: Spyros ‘Spy’ Faros (guitars, e-bow, sequencer, vocals), Ntoura (vocals), Nikos Artemhs (loops, samples), Giorgos Argirides (scratches, samples, programming), Kostis Kousoulos (sound adjustments & FX). Their music is a combination of the genres mentioned above, its base is hip hop (‘poetry with rhythm’) with lots of samples with some support from guitars, a piano and a drum set.

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The Boy - Please Make Me Dance [Inner Ear, 2009]

2009-05-30T16:27:00.001-07:00

The Boy is the musical alter ego of greek film director Alexandros Voulgaris. The Boy started playing keyboards and writing songs for the band f(a39) from 1997 to 2003. F(a39) released a mini ep and also recorded music for two films directed by The Boy. The Right Moves, 2000 and Crying?, 2004. After that he joined the electro-trash band Sportex (personal project of Felizol) for two years. The band was also joined by Dr. Hecktor. In 2004 The Boy formed the punk performance Mary and The Boy. The received a lot of attention from the alternative musical press of Greece for their live performances and recently released their first album. He was the music supervisor in his latest film “Pink” and wrote some new music for it. He has opened concerts of artists such as Barry Adamson, Baby Dee, F.M. Palumbo and concerts for Marc Almond, Four Tet, Holly Golightly and CocoRosie with Mary and The Boy. The Boy’s first album “50 God damned songs ” was released in 2007.

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Byron's Girlfriend - The River Flows Like [Non O' Clock, 2008]

2009-05-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Byron’s Girlfriend started as a solo act from Byron (Neon) in his teens. He released the 7" 'Hey Beauty/Belissa' single in Pop Art Records (2000). The idea was to make simple pop songs. Soon, Makis P. (ex–Next Time Passions, ex–Impossible Tymes, ex-Crooner and Hyplar) joined him, after having undertaken the production of the first Byron’s Girlfriend album, 'Between The Blue And Green' in Olon Music (2002). The album gained positive reviews from the local press. In 2003 there was a collaboration of Byron's Girlfriend with Steve Wynn (ex-Dream Syndicate) for the cover of Family's 'Dame Estrellas O Limones' song in the 'Aberraciones Telescopicas Vol. 2' by Pueblo Records compilation. Over the years, they have performed in several places in Athens. They supported Perry Blake at An Club, played with Fosca, the Real Tuesday’s Weld, the Occasional Flickers etc.
Byron’s Girlfriend have just completed their second album, produced by Makis P. which is far more electronic than the previous releases and far more exciting.

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The Last Drive - Heavy Liquid [Happy Crasher, 2009]

2009-05-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes artist’s little comments include the whole spirit that a reviewer is trying to describe. The Heavy Liquid album is dedicated to Lux Interior (lead singer and former of The Cramps) and to Mr. Hunter S. Thompson. If you don’t dig those two you’re probably unable to understand what the LAST DRIVE is about. Formed in the early 80’s in Athens, Greece they were the best English-spoken band in town and they kept the legend of their name until 1995 when they disbanded. Last drive’s music melting pot was a mix of garage, rockabilly, and surf. They took all the elements of 50’s and 60’s music and they made something fresh and unique in the late 80’s with the albums “Underworld Shakedown”, 1986 and “Heatwave”, 1988. Those albums are on top of the 80’s garage/rock’n’roll/punk era. On the next 3 albums, the band changed musical direction. “Blood Nirvana”, 1990, “F#ckhead Entropy”, 1992 and “Subliminal”, 1994, are heavier including heavy rock elements, dessert sound and represent the late 80’s early 90’s Athens decline and the raise of the political and musical underground movement. During their career except all the rock’n’roll and garage stereotypes that they always kept questioning, they sang about city’s decadence, the despair of being alone and the heroin as a part of the process that kills all the rebel souls. With having a hardcore political line and delivering their music in every little corner in Greece, playing anywhere they were invited they created a myth all these years. They played with the Wipers, Jesus and Mary Chain, the Gun Club. They toured in Germany with Dead Moon and they also played some shows in Spain. Finally they seemed to represent everything the Greek music underground was all about. In 1995 the disbanded and after 12 years, silence was broken with 3 sold out gigs in Athens that were followed with many more in Greece and Europe. Unlike many empty reunions this one was worth. The tense on those gigs was the proof with everybody going completely crazy. Those shows were captured on film and the “Time Is Not Important” release on cd/dvd was just a reminding war-up for this year’s full length “Heavy Liquid” on Drive’s own record label “Happy Crasher”. This album includes everything The Last Drive was and still is about. The sound is similar to the latest releases of the band and all the 80’s generation heroes fly like drunken ghosts while the album is on the instant replay. Beat literature, rock’n’roll attitude, massive hits, great artwork and smart lyrics from a band that doesn’t have to prove their history, instead they take it one step forward with this effort.

LOVERS OF ROCK N ROLL DIG THIS ALBUM IMMEDIATELY

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Various Artists - Try A Little Sunshine [Pop Art, 1999]

2009-05-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

This compilation contains 18 songs of the greek indie pop scene and covers the period of the last 2 decades. Unknown treasures from the english-speaking "unrecognized" music of our country, 14 groups that worked underground, 10 unreleased songs, 6 songs from "sold out" releases, a compilation that could only be put in the files, but we were mistaken! The first reviews show that the people that are writing and playing music in the neighbourhoods of Athens, Salonica and Patra, have the inspiration and the power to stand equally next to the traditionally "big" scenes of the particular music style. Influenced by the new wave of the last decade or the pop aesthetic of the legendary Sarah Records together with the influence of the new electro-pop sounds, these guitar pop melodies create a soundtrack for sunny afternoons on a beach or even for full moon nights on a terrace under the city clamour.
Groups like Impossible Tymes, One Night Suzan, Next Time Passions, The Jaywalkers, Raining Pleasure, Groove Machine, Sound Devise, The Mute, Starblind, Protest March, Kissamatic Lovebubbles, Common Sense, The Crooner, Love Exotics gave all their cheerfulness and (by simply smiling) we suggest: Try A Little Sunshine!

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Spyweirdos - Ten Numbers [Creative Space, 2008]

2009-05-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ten numbers is the title and ten fully emotional sonic landscapes, in a combination of minimal glitch electronica and acoustic instrumentation. In this album Spyweirdos leaves behind 4×4 beats and his flirting with minimal techno throwing all the weight, instead, in the depth of sound and atmosphere with smart transitions from acoustic to electronic sound collages. As in his previous work, the acoustic parts are not samples or pre-recorded parts, but themes written and recorded for the tracks. This marriage of acoustic and digital electronic takes place with extreme virtuosity, with the result being full of contradictions, bringing in mind the transition between day and night, hope and desperation, something obvious also through the videos which oscillate between black and white, light and darkness. The landscape is at times familiar, at others unknown and distant, a point where past and future meets…

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Loilok - Extra Version [MoFa, 2007]

2009-05-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Loilok are Nikos and Kostis. Born and raised in Drama, a small town in the north of Greece they started playing music together during high school years. After going through under various band names and musical styles they formed Loilok in the spring of 2004 when they quickly released their first mini album called ‘The Young Adults’ under their DIY home label MoFa Recs. The mini album was flirting with both elements of ambient sounds and melodic punk which three years later in the summer of 2007 was fully accomplished with the release of their first album ‘Extra Version’.

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Berlin Brides - Failure To Wank [self-released, 2009]

2009-05-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

Berlin Brides were formed in September 2007 by Natasha Giannaraki and Marilena Orfanou, who compose the lyrics and music. Their sound is a hybrid of electro, punk & powerpop, comprised of female vocals, synths and computer-generated loops. They started performing in February 2008. Drummer Elena joined the band in June 2008, adding combustible raw energy to the band’s electronic high-bpm beats.

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Naono - Tumbleweed Tracks [CCT, 2008]

2009-05-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

Naono aka Antonis Simeonidis is a recording artist, producer based in Athens, Greece. The music he creates blends melodic soundscapes and atmospheres with sliced and glued organic rhythms. Image creating music inspired from everyday sounds and surroundings. Grown up in a music friendly environment, he started to experiment with music instruments and recording techniques at the age of 14. After graduating from a “Music Technology” course in the U.K. he released his first musical output in 2002. "Ati pol" a 4-track Ep release on the Vibrant Music Label, followed by a full-length CD album "Slope Drifting" (2003), on the same label. Around the same period he started to perform live sets at various venues & festivals including: Synch festival (GR), Podewil (Berlin), Bios (GR), Musicday festival (GR), Small music theatre (GR) and others.

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Magnitophono - Playtime EP [Minuta, 2009]

2009-04-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

Magnitophono is a music project based on stories and pictures, from where comes the sound. What sound have a picture? Listen... A robot looking at the sea and wants to swim. A plastic toy dreams of clouds and a tiny tape recorder sends a love letter, shortly before leaving for Tokyo. In the music project Magnitophono stories recorded with electronic sounds and samples of video moments. It began its journey in May 2007 by Helen Adamopoulou. Urban sounds converted into a melodic journey.

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The Callas - The Callas [AMP/Bantha, 2009]

2009-04-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

The Callas are Lakis and Aris Iwnas: Brothers, artists, editors of Velvet magazine, owners of Out Of Tune ! label, 4-Track superheroes, DIY darlings.

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BNC - The Birth [Cast-a-Blast, 2008]

2009-04-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Born in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, arrived in Greece for the first time at the early age of 10, keeping cross-cultural ties with his native land, New York City and Athens Greece, kept an ear for music and passion for its production. Having begun as a drummer in his teenage years in bands ranging from garage punk to ska and reggae, transformed the same energy and diversity today in sampling, beat making, producing and lyricism. Actively involved in the Athenian DJ scene spinning sets in funk, hip-hop, reggae and latin breaks, BNC maneuvers the set like a percussionist and turntabalist alike. BNC’s sound brings a fresh wave of sonic delight to the local scene and beyond.

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Various Artists - Non Linear Views [self-released, 2006]

2009-04-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

The collection "Non Linear Views" is an independent release made exclusively from the groups which participate in this. Aim of this collection is the meeting of different musicians in the same circulation without restrictions in their way of expression and in their sound searches. In the collection participate musicians and groups with or without music recording presence in the past.

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Melorman - Drawing Circles Through An Empty Sky [Summer Rain, 2008]

2009-04-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

Melorman is the music project of Athens based musician Antonis Haniotakis beginning at 2001. His sound is a mixture of deep melodic elements and lush sounds. He begun his way to electronic music with his debut ep "Biography" in Sixteensteps. He has participated in compilations or solo projects in Labels such as Summer Rain Recordings, Shima Records, CCT Records, Symbolic Interaction, IVDT and Vim Records.

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Melorman - Far Away Morning [CCT, 2007]

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2L8 - Armed Angels, Frustrated Youth, The Art Of Self-Deceit And Music Industry [Poeta Negra, 2005]

2009-04-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

2L8 is the project of the 22-year-old Kosta Voziki and a team of musicians and collaborators. The music of 2L8 does not seek a formalistic identity but is rather unfolding through a number of conscious and unconscious references. It functions more as a personal narration, overcoming all restrictions. It is post punk, pop, industrial, rock, hardcore, post rock and at the same time it is nothing like that. The accompanying elements of this musical puzzle of 2L8 meet the need of a personal expression and sketches out what we call "a personal experience". The guitars are most of the times a bit eccentrically played, some other times they are sharp or bulky or even have a pitched sound, finally sewing melodic results.The electronic elements in some songs keep the rhythm section, or inject the whole result with sounds and atmospheres. The distinguished voice plays the role of a central instrument which undergoes continuous transformations. Prolific and torrential the band's narration process unfolds stories of urban madness and sensitivity. The lyrics are about relationships and competitions playing the game of constant alternations of feelings and situations. The outcome is sometimes minimalistic, other times raw and realistic, at times it can become theatrical, extravagant, melodramatic and dreamy. It balances through its constant shifting of attitudes, its darkness, its melancholy, brightness, optimism and sarcasm. It is possibly a heretic album for the ones who still believe there are stories worth being told.

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Cinekod - People Change Things Change You're Never Gonna Be The Same For Me [Guillotine Sound, 2008]

2009-03-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Cinekod formed in 2006 in Athens. The name is taken from a syrup for cough called sinecod. They had to change “s” with “c” and “c” with “k” so as to avoid any problems with copyright, or with the consumer not distinguishing the medicine for cough (sinecod) from the medicine for emotional catatonia (cinekod). Originally, there were four central band members: Emil (guitar), Kris (bass), John (vocals), and Petran (drums). Emil and Kris started playing together, later met Petran, and started regular practice sessions. With John “narrating” stories over the music, they started making recordings. Although the members had very different musical influences, from the beginning everyone had the same goal in mind: through melancholy songs, convey their emotions and feelings. The auditory result was psychedelic guitar rock; guided by hard guitar and loud, rhythic drum sounds, they made passage from grief to rage, or else from shoegaze to post rock and post punk. That summer, they gathered on the island Paros and recorded their first demo, composed of 12 tracks. The following January, a falling-out with the drummer and John’s departure from the group forced the band to cancel their upcoming live shows. The remaining Emil and Kris started writing new songs, which lacked a drummer. Serafim arrived in the summer of 2007 to complete the group. Just as enthusiastically as the first time around, they recorded a new, 11-track demo and started playing live shows. Their efforts were completed in April 2008 and the record is out October 24 by Guillotine Sound.

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Le Page - Teddy Girls [Drunk Squirrel, 2009]

2009-03-30T04:02:00.000-07:00

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The Earthbound - La Guerra Final [The Lab, 2008]

2009-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Earthbound was formed in Athens in 1998 by former members of The Last Drive, Honeydive, Rockin’ Bones and Engine-V. After playing locally for about a year, including a slot in Rockwave Festival in 1999, the band recorded their debut 7’’ single The Valley/Riverside Song/Tercera Cancion, released with Fractal Press magazine. The Earthbound signed to Trade Records and recorded their self-titled debut album with producer Jim Spliff. It came out in 2000 and featured 13 songs, including three covers of songs by Kyuss, Woody Guthrie and Guillermo Portaballes that showcased the band’s diverse influences. In 2001 they recorded the soundtrack for the film "Stakaman" by Antonis Kafetzopoulos, which was released by M Records, and Alex K and Thanos A worked on the soundtrack for "Sose Me", released a few months later. The Earthbound spent the next eighteen months touring. They also took part in two benefit concerts for the campaign Escuelas para Chiapas and in June 2003 played at the demonstration against the EU summit in Thessaloniki. In September 2003 Louis joined on trumpet and percussion. In 2004 they signed to Sirius (the record company formed by Manos Hadjidakis) and started working on their third album, "Brotherhood Of The Dog", once again with producer Jim Spliff. The album was released later the same year and featured 11 songs (including an Ennio Morricone cover). In early 2005 they played two gigs in Cyprus and recruited a second trumpet player, Johnny Mato. In 2007 The Earthbound changed their label again, re-releasing the debut album with The Lab Records. Their latest work, "La Guerra Final", was also released from The Lab Records, in July 2008.

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Blend - Misplaced [Cast-a-Blast, 2006]

2009-03-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Born January ’74, producer, musician, DJ George Mandas aka Blend aka Mishkin has an amazing list of releases since back in 1998 with labels like N.Y.’s Shadow records, Cooking /Good Looking, Dsofa, Pork, Gamm, Rebtuz (Tru Thoughts) and Lovemonk to name a few. Collaborations and remixes includes Natasha Atlas, Dj Spooky, Libra music, Featurecast, Bastard Jazz’s Drm, Pallyria, The Earthbound, Kbonus, The Hot 8 Brass Band and more. Up to date he has released six personal albums and three compilations. Has produce music for Tootsie Babes, Mohamed Arrafa, Fill Barry and of course Sugahspank! while more than twenty exclusive tracks are featured on compilations worldwide. Formed the Blend Sextet in 2006 a six piece band to perform his works live and co-created label/collective Cast-a-Blast with partners Sugahspank, Dj Palov, Jeff Gonzalez and designer Oxocube.

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Modrec - Art Naive [Bantha/Spinalonga, 2008]

2009-03-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Modified Recovery between reason and the absurd. A maze of compositions, rhythmical soundscapes and lyricism in a blue contrast. By correcting disfigurement they unfold polymorphic harmonies. Their lyrics translate thoughts, images, colours and experiences filtered through visual and audio stimulations. When guitar meets bass and bass meets percussion, their story-like interpretations and ecstatic voices embrace you just before take off. Punk esthetics through an alternative prism.

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Fantastikoi Hxoi - Kyriarxoi Tou Sympantos [2008]

2009-03-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

Fantastikoi Hxoi (Imaginary Sounds) is a remix project of the Greek pop & rock music scene from the ’60s and ’70s. Using samples from old but classic tracks, they create a peculiar retro-futuristic sound through the complete reconstruction or the development around their notable refrain. In their tracks you can hear electronic buzuki filtered through chaotic delays, irrational sound design techniques, the romantism of the new scene and the kaleidoscopic sound of psychedelia. All that processed through a filter of love for the music of all previous decades, from Manolis Hiotis to Joe Meek. In the summer of 2008 they released their double CD “Kyriarxoi Tou Sympantos” (Masters Of The Universe) as a free download.

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Kitephonics

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The Callas - Lipstick [AMP, 2008]

2009-03-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Callas are Lakis and Aris Iwnas: Brothers, artists, editors of Velvet magazine, owners of Out Of Tune ! label, 4-Track superheroes, DIY darlings.

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An Orange End - Lego [Inner Ear, 2009]

2009-03-25T01:53:00.001-07:00

An Orange End is a band with all it’s members originating from Tripolis, Greece. The band have also listed themselves in being also located in Patras and Athens, Greece. They released their first work through their promotional single “Skyline Playgrounds”, which included three songs: “Urban Sights”, “Murder the Lonely” and “Dance”. Having the most positive reviews amongst various bands and their populairty spread, the band quickly became a fine supporting act and opener for other great Greek artists in their live concerts. Soon they had their own concerts out of Greece and their fame to be spread abroad. The band had participated in the Coca Cola Soundwave Vol.2 in 2007 and they won in the Radar Coke Competition with their video clip “Murder the Lonely”, created by Anna Xiao. Their debut album “Lego” was released in 23rd February by Inner Ear Records.

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The Model Spy - DNA [Sonic Playground, 2009]

2009-03-25T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Model Spy's new double-A-side single-E.P. is available, including 'Dna' and 'Dna (The Bossa Way)' that were recorded at Undersound Studios. Plans for the near future? Recording sessions with Nikos Triantafyllou at Sonic Playground Studios for a full length album and contribution of the track Chinaski for another compilation release of Canadian label TBM.

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Felizol - Birthdays [Puzzlemusik, 2009]

2009-03-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

'Birthdays' is Giannis Veslemes' (aka Felizol) debut album. The album includes 14 tracks written and produced by Felizol, plus an unexpected cover on Prince's 'Kiss'! It balances between English and instrumental tracks, recorder with both analog and digital electronic and acoustic instruments. The outcome is a unique electronica, fresh and original, which brings his personal seal. Many artists participate in the album offering their voices, such as: The Boy, Madame Bouche, Dr.Hector, Sportex and last but not least, Savina Giannatou.

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Interstellar Overdrive - Hibernation [Studio II, 2008]

2009-03-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

The band's 3rd official album was released in October 2008 by Studio II Records. The album demonstrates excessive unevenness of style throughout, probably up to the point of being inconsistent. At the moment the band continues to undertake an even more experimental approach investigating alternative ways to produce music using new media (even though its members are scattered).

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The Model Spy - The Model Spy [self-released, 2007]

2009-03-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

The Model Spy was originally formed during the fall of 2004, when members of ex-group Paraffin wanted to set up a new project. Despite some changes that occured in the band in the time to follow, the Model Spy wrote and recorded the music for a short film by Alex Kakaniaris. The film, called "Souvenirs", was projected in the short films festivals of Denmark, Drama and the one of Athens (Opening Nights). After a one-year break due to members' liabilities, the Model Spy wrote and recorded the music for another short film by Nikoleta Leousi. Having a bunch of new ideas, the Model Spy recorded the first demo as well, during the winter of 2006-2007 and are about to do more..

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Monsieur Minimal - Lollipop [The Sound Of Everything, 2008]

2009-03-13T02:43:00.000-07:00

Christos Tsitroudis is the man behind Monsieur Minimal and he has been writing and composing for the last 5 years. Now he has just released his first personal album that is called “Lollipop” under the recoding label The Sound Of Everything. This album was born through the underground site of the Hellenic indie scene, but evolved into a pop album with excellent response to a very wide range of listeners.

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Inverz - Songs [Granny, 2008]

2009-02-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

'Songs' by Inverz is Granny records' third release following the split release between Eventless Plot and Good Luck Mr Gorsky (2008) and the compilation cd 'Bits Of Quartz Glitter' (2004). Inverz is the moniker under which Savvas Metaxas records his music the last four years. The 'Songs' album was recorded during the winter of 2008 at Inverz's home and the compositions were built upon various layers of electric and acoustic guitars, vintage synths and field recordings.The album is enhanced with two collaborations, one featuring Iraklis Iosifidis from 2L8 on 'Bow Song' and the second featuring One Mile Tar on the remix of 'Q Song'. Inverz, being an actual member of Good Luck Mr Gorsky and also playing and recording for the 2L8 band has established his presence in the underground musical community of Thessaloniki. In this album he offers his own interpretation of wide landscapes, abstract ambience and noise that stands out as his most complete work to date.

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Vello Leaf - Morning Star [Insight Room, 2006]

2009-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Vello Leaf is a three-piece band that started its musical journey in 1999 in the south end of Greece, Chania. Core members of the band all these years (Nikos Grivakis, Michalis Koulieris and Apostolis Lionoudakis) have always collaborated with several guest musicians who join them both on stage and in studio. As of 2005 and under the name “deep.insight”, the band had recorded two self-released handmade EPs (“Lifepoint…” in 2001, “distorted.images” in 2003) and had participated in various projects including music for theatrical plays, a various artists compilation, theme music for websites and other audiovisual projects. Vello Leaf made their brake-through in December 2006, releasing their debut-EP “Morning Star” (featuring female vocals by Alexandra Mckay Diamantopoulou) which got praising reviews from the press.

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Misuse - Misuse [Puzzlemusik, 2008]

2009-02-20T02:07:00.000-08:00

This five-piece post-rock/heavy rock band had already formed a fan base in their homeland Greece, well before the release of their debut album. Mogwai chose them as a support act for their live date in Greece back in 2003. No plug-ins were used in this vintage-instruments-only debut that features Hammond organ, Obberheim synth, electroacoustic piano, celesta, vibraphone, violin, viola and cello. One cannot help but wonder what’s next…

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Flakes - Lick Your Fingers If You Like It [Inner Ear, 2008]

2009-02-10T04:23:00.000-08:00

Consisting of experimental vocalist Yodashe, flop guitarist Jarvis, flip guitarist Stam, bassist Velli and drummer NathAniel, Flakes’s music is a mix of angular sonics with pop structures. Inspired by the Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Interpol, Blur, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, the Libertines, Editors, Dears, Bjork, The Killers, The Kooks, Franz Ferdinand and Hard-Fi, art-punkers Flakes are a band currently based between London (United Kingdom) and Patras (Greece). The band came together in spring 2006 when Yodashe, just a few weeks before moving to London, randomly met Jarvis, resident dj in her favorite indie club in Patras. The band recorded their first demo in August 2006. Spiky, punk guitars, drumming exhibiting un-typical indie sharpness and screaming, bluesy, provocative vocal worlds are currently being recorded for the band’s debut album ‘Lick your fingers if you like it’ . The album features songs written during the band’s ‘hot hot hot’ era, when all five members practically shared one flat while rehearsing and recording the demo. ‘Lick your fingers if you like it’ establishes the band’s artistic direction trying to merge diverse influences into a hybridized alternative soundscape.

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Various Artists - Radio Lunatica [VIM, 2008]

2009-02-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

…….with a French twist. I opened the post over breakfast: another three page epic from Danielle, a postcard from Brian Eno, and my dear friend Phillip had sent me that long-lost press release Boards Of Canada did prior to the release of “Music Has The Right To Children”. I filled a second cup of steaming cappuccino, light a cigarette, and made my way over to the window. Outside, on the rippled blue sea of Thessaloniki’s port, a tiny red fishing boat was making its way towards the marina…….above it, low diaphanous clouds drifted slowly into the farness of the blurred horizon. I was thinking that there’s no need to have someone beside you if you want him close. The woman that I’ll fall in love with is not here and I was always wrapped in foil-too weak to walk away. Color never loses it’s rights. The Saturday morning tranquility was suddenly broken by a low frequency bleep-bleep-bleep……it was the phone……it was she and sounded very worried. At that time a man with threatening present was haunting her sleep, having the scent of black pepper. That was when the fogs wake-up, with all that strange episodes of death and love. “Hello Keith, I’ve been speaking to the lawyers and they think that Future Sound Of London story is way too risky, especially the allegations you made about it’s private lives”. I smiled to myself and spoke softly into the cream-white phone: “Please don’t upset yourself because we’ve unearthed a rather fabulous Radio Lunatica article from an ancient Jazz magazine. So, what with Paul’s bit on indie football and that piece on girls in electronica, we don’t really need The Future Sound Of London story after all....And honestly, love, who’d be that interested in their little secrets anyway?” “Radio Lunatica”, I heard her mumble. “Um, hold on, I’ll just fax the lawyers”

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2 By Bukowski - What A Long, Strange Journey This Has Been [Poeta Negra, 2001]

2009-02-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Following the release of their first two mini attempts, 2 By Bukowski present their first complete voyage that certainly gives the feeling of a concrete work. Through their flow, the compositions complete one another, forming a kind of narrative puzzle that describes blurred images and intervals of a journey that unites sensitivity and logic, nostalgia and vision, peace and eruption. Using predominantly electronic instruments, 2 By Bukowski succeed in creating a personal sound and identity. Moving beyond the limits set by the post rock tag, they do not express the need to be classified under a specific musical scene. From their first steps, they've already gained recognition from press and radio connoisseurs. From the triumphs of Brainwashed, to the presentation from Norman Records as the European answer to Godspeed You! Black Emperor and the designation of their 7' as single of the month by Record Collector, 2 By Bukowski seem to win the esteem of a growing audience all around the world.

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The Callas - DIY or DIE [Out Of Tune!, 2006]

2009-01-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Callas are Lakis and Aris Iwnas: Brothers, artists, editors of Velvet magazine, owners of Out Of Tune! label, 4-Track superheroes, DIY darlings. 'Diy Or Die' is a pure rock-punk album, played with a guitar and a set of children's drums!

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Dread Astaire - Hipbeat/Bassassination [Fuzzie, 2006]

2009-01-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

HIPBEAT
The very ﬁrst trip, recorded in January-February 2006 at Simultané Studios, Thessaloniki. Two totally different sounds that you can hardly compare. A bouncy, danceable groove over sing-along, shake- it-up-baby detached vocals ﬁltered through tons of Big Muff fuzz pedal and unbearable feedback. As a souvenir of the sessions, Dread Astaire managed to acquire daily doses of sub-existance in one of the city’s most degraded regions, where the sum of three euros could buy you a headache in the form of a glass full of unidentiﬁable vodka. Yet, who knows, this kind of social interventations may echoed in the band’s performance in a way that “Hipbeat” could not have happened elsewhere.

BASSASSINATION
In Thessaloniki, Dread Astaire soon began to attract attention through continuous gig- ging, sometimes with acts as prestigious as the local 2L8 and NYC’s the Liars. In March 12, the trio left a highly succesful performance along the mighty Fall to begin work on their b-side, “Bassassination”. Attacking their instruments with such enthusiasm that any kind of self-restraint was unimaginable, they dumped the song’s rollicking bass riff not before 7 minutes, 45 seconds of recording time. In fact, the very record bestowed upon you was initially intented as a seven-inch, but even the thought of editing the performance to a shorter version was out of the question. It was such fun!

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Your Hand In Mine - EP [self-released, 2006]

2009-01-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

Your Hand In Mine consists of two students from Thessaloniki, Greece. Manos Milonakis plays wurlitzer piano, melodica, toy piano, and does the programming, while George Papadopoulos plays some guitar shaped toy synth, mandolin, glockenspiel hits random objects in his rythmic kit. The project came out from members of the post-rock band Shortcat in late 2006, giving them the opportunity to express their love to acoustic instruments, french folk songs and street musicians. With a constantly growing collection of custom, toy instruments and machines, Your Hand In Mine act as live-looping based duet, willing to present a new-romantic, deeply personal sense of chamber music. Strongly impatient, they released their first recordings in 100 totally handmade cd copies in January 2007. The self titled ep, having references to modern west-european folk and experimentation, defines the band’s aesthetic and identity.

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2L8 - He & She [Inner Ear, 2008]

2009-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

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Sugahspank! - The Incredible, The Invisible [Cast-a-Blast, 2008]

2009-01-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Sugahspank! was born in Pireaus, Greece in 1982. Started making music and performing in the age of 14 through various underground acts. Showing interest in many and dramatically different music genres, Sugahspank! started combining hip-hop, soul and funk with garage, rapcore, nu-metal and jazz, always looking for an experimental edge.
In 2004 she joined the band Sugah Galore and two years later she formed Cast-a-Blast along with Blend, Palov and BnC. In 2008 she released her debut album “The Incredible/ The invisible” on Cast-a-Blast. She also appears in CAB’s older releases Blend “Misplaced” and “Backslam Extravaganza” Selected by Palov & Mishkin.

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Mary & The Boy / Felizol - Timemachine [Inner Ear, 2009]

2009-01-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

One year after their subversive debut, Mary and The Boy come back with an album that vindicates the rave notices they received from both the critics and public. Their second emprise-accomplished in co-operation with producer Felizol (G. Beslemes) - goes by the name of “Timemachine” and is released by Inner Ear. Thirteen tracks that blend various music styles beckon the listener to a time travel through the discharge of human compulsion. Mary and the Boy leave behind their intensely dramatic and burlesque features, daring an experiment that incorporates the principals of modern electronic sound aided by expert Cristian Vogel in mastering.
The homemade aesthetic, Mary’s crude voice and the Boy’s piano-playing meet and eventuate in a less dark outcome. The plainly scary mood of their debut has faded and is superseded by pop melodies expressed in a new-wave manner , indicated in tracks like ‘No more bad trips for little Mary’ and ‘Are you still dancing can can?’.As expected, raw and noisy patterns are not absent in this album, with Mary and the Boy diving into the far-out world of tracks ‘Cock’ and ‘Death’.
“Timemachine” is a demanding album, that needs to lend an ear in order to reach its core. The pervasive authenticity and creativeness that rise to prominence through the 13 compositions in this record will make it one of the most worth mentioning albums of 2009!

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Absent Without Leave - Postcards From Nowhere [Distant Noise, 2008]

2009-01-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Absent Without Leave is the solo project of the 26 year-old George Mastrokostas, based in Athens, Greece. Recording everything himself in his home-studio, he creates a melancholic sound that covers a multitude of styles such as shoegaze, post-rock, ambient and electronica.
To date, he has released his music on labels such as distant noise (uk), unlabel (uk), chat blanc (canada), duotone (japan), bsbta (denmark), fuzzy panda (usa), october man (uk) and also on his own label sound in silence (greece) and has collaborated for split releases with artists like port-royal, yellow6, kimonophonic, lope, doogie and cono norte 3.
He has played several gigs in Greece at various venues, including synch festival 2007 (among other artists like mum, !!!, front 242, fischerspooner, alexander hacke and many others), double-bill concert with port-royal, support gig for section 25 (from legendary factory records) and has been personally invited by artists like piano magic, god is an astronaut, manyfingers and sigmatropic to open their concerts.
His music has been played on some of the best radio stations worldwide like BBC 6 Music, Resonance FM and others too.

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S.ink - Time And Timing [Poeta Negra, 2003]

2008-12-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

S.ink is a musicians' collective, whose members make music through communicative interaction and freeform improvisation. Thus, the music of this first album is essentially a careful selection of many hours worth of improvisation. Time and Timing captures a specific period in the band's course and its respective moods. And that is why the album was chosen to be recorded live in the band's own studio. Of course, S.ink's skillful and tight performance does not let us realise immediately that this is the final outcome of a live (and not multitrack or step-by-step and processed) recording. For this reason their live performances have always been considered exciting, special and unique. S.ink act within an uneasily defined musical environment, but which contains significant references to various musical styles that marked the evolution of contemporary music: at times, it incorporates the intellectualism and exploratory mood of kraut rock, the jazzy moods of the Chicago scene, the solitary feeling of ambient music, the psychedelic nuances of 'cosmic' music, the melancholic and dark atmosphere of post rock.

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Eventless Plot | Good Luck Mr. Gorsky [Granny, 2008]

2008-12-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

There are three people behind Good Luck Mr. Gorsky. The band was formed in Thessaloniki and this is their first release. In the past the band had participated in two compilations, ‘Bits Of Quartz Glitter’ (Granny 2005) and ‘Non Linear Views’ (no label, 2006) including artists like Theodore, Neon, 2L8… The band’s compositions are based on natural sound sources and various instruments; all processed live, through sound and loop manipulations.
Eventless Plot is a three-member band from Thessaloniki. Their music moves around experimentation by using software, synths, processed guitars and other strange or not instruments. They have taken part in ‘Non Linear Views’ compilation (no label, 2006) including artists like Theodore, Neon, 2L8… and in ‘Yuria’ compilation (Vm Recordings, 2008) with artists like Leafcutter John, Spyweirdos, Vokal Idiot…They have also released a 7” split single with Italian composer Mescalinaeden for Gracetone Recordings label.

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Interstellar Overdrive - Noise And Useful Objects [self-released, 2005]

2008-12-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

The core of what was to become Interstellar Overdrive was formed around 1998 in Athens, Greece; since then little or no resemblance exists. The genre changes dramatically with every new project. In 1999's 'Battle of the Bands' contest (held in Athens) the band was awarded with the first prize leading to the realisation of the debut album (Pegasus Records, 2000; reproduced in 900 copies). From May 1999 to June 2000 Interstellar Overdrive recorded at various times a series of songs. George Priniotakis engineered all the tracks at Voices studio and Stefanos Rokos drew the cover painting of the album. From April 2002 to January 2003 the band, with a different line up this time, records a second album titled 'Surface b' again for Pegasus Records (reproduced in 600 copies). The musical style is a lot different than the debut album with influences ranging from indie to post-rock. Yet, within this album there is evidence of a more experimental and less commercial approach to music. Noam Chomsky's voice was also used with his permission. Once more George Priniotakis engineered the tracks at ArtRacks studio and Stefanos Rokos drew the paintings of the album. From May 2003 the band stabilizes its line up and records a series of pieces for different occasions. Within Spring 2003 “A short piece for the poison–man” is ‘exhibited’ along with the homonymous painting of Stefanos Rokos. The latest project the band has undertaken is music for the Art Exhibition of Stefanos Rokos in Athens (Agathi Hall of Art), November 2005, titled “Noise and Useful Objects” [1500 copies].The music was intended to accompany the catalogue of the painting exhibition consisting of a mixture of electroacoustic sound and songs divided in 9 parts. The album was recorded in Cambridge and Athens and mixed by George Priniotakis at ArtRacks studio. The music of Interstellar Overdrive has also been used in film and theatre. At the moment the band undertakes an even more experimental approach investigating alternative ways to produce music using new media (even though its members are scattered).

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Barbara's Straight Son - Randomness Is Not Easy To Achieve [01, 2008]

2008-12-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

"Making music is like making anything, like building a sandcastle or baking a cake", says the voice that introduce you to the sound of the album. "So relax and take a deep breath". What comes next is some of the most exciting moments in a greek record lately: gore, noise, breakbeat, but also tender melodies that make the album simply iresistable. Amazing result.

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Dread Astaire - Take Time To Hate Me [Fuzzie, 2006]

2008-12-14T05:12:00.000-08:00

Sonically striking, hard to categorize, and burdened by the failure of their country’s any positive disposition towards oddity, Dread Astaire are indeed fascinating-and full of paradox. They crave to be heard; yet, they chose to launch their own Fuzzie label in order to record and distribute a series of vinyl releases, in an era dominated by i-Poddity. They nod to ambition; still, their ambition’s accomplishable through shitty rehearsal rooms and scrappy concert spaces. Indeed, Dread Astaire often admire each other too much to care about recognition. They respect no expressional boundaries, spanning blues, noise, punk, repetition, improvisation, straight-out rock’n’roll, and more. However difficult it is to give an accurate definition of their cultural location, we can clearly inscribe them in one importand genre: Fuzzbass. Fuzz is about surface, fuzzbass about depth. Fuzz about pleasure, fuzzbass about intensity. Fuzz about the spirituality of electricity, fuzzbass about reaching out to you. But are you gonna be there?

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