Records
what's new... what's available..."Strange Stories" - George Christianakis
- artist:George Christianakis
- country:Greece
- release year:2003
- style(s): Electronic Experimental
- formats:
- CD (Compact Disc)
- record submitted by:
- label:Hitch Hyke
Composer, arranger, producer George Christianakis hails from the cool and cultural town of Northern Greece, Thessalonika. Apart from trudging the customary musical avenues (via his past participations in bands such as Trypes & Rodondo Rocks), Christianakis has already clocked up an impressive personal musical stature in Greece. He has also had the versatility and vision to extend his musical influence in the field of soundtracks and theatre as well, to spectacular results.
'Strange Stories' is his third solo outing after 'Templo' (1997) & 'O Thyroros' (Janitor)(2001) and his first for Hitch Hyke after the previous major label deal fell through. His new album has already added further weight to the praise scrapbook that has rapidly expanded since his solo debut. This album unveils 18 complex compositions like a kaleidoscope puzzle. Hard to categorise at a first listen, 'Strange Stories' serves us with a very diverse range of musical structures. Together with the lush packaging and the exquisite thick illustrative booklet, this album veers towards a concept status.
This aural experience with each composition provides a nocturnal staircase that would satisfy even the most demading audience. There is something here for everyone. The mesh of orchestral music together with the abrupt beats and sharp samplings, float around together with the overall minimal and ambient tone. Christianakis's guest musicians, amongst them Thurston Moore's favourite horn player Floros Florides, are all involved in a colourful and magical interaction.
'Strange Stories' critical success in Greece is based on a fact that everyone has been initially astounded with its musical diversity and complexity neatly packed into a crisp soundtrack like domain. Despite the solid length, there is only one composition that has a lyrical output 'Oso Boris' with the poignant & powerful poetry of one of Greece's internationally renound late poet Konstantine Cavafy, sung by renowned underground singer songwriter Dinos Sadikis.
George Christianakis's album is a mini mastepiece that flows within the parameters of a heavy dreamscape frame. The aural anarchy that prevails in this psychedelic story is a rewarding experience that few people will be able to ignore.
