Gioumourtzina - Blakk Metall

Based in Greece, Anestis Neiros (synth and vocals) as well as John Tselikas (electric bass) have been performing under the name of Gioumourtzina and its unique electronic set since 2014. They initially met to rehearse songs already recorded by Anestis, but as they failed to find collaborators, the duo decided to put their brains and music tastes together to form Gioumourtzina. Through strong live peformances, the word-of-mouth promotion they received in their hometown of Thessaloniki, and their song 'Russian Market', Gioumourtzina became a good name in Greece. 

It's very hard to pinpoint Greek duo Gioumourtzina under any one genre as their experimental electronic nature can take the course of 80s blended shoegaze to the antics of well-produced synthwave/witch house music. Their impressive array of music and talent has not gone unnoticed, however, as the Greek duo has gotten signed to Inner Ear Records for their debut album Blakk Metall. 

Blakk Metall is an eight track album that, as stated above, will drag you through the 80s and bring you straight into the modern era. Just think of their sound as if the Cure spawned in the modern day era with a more electronic twist to their music. The first track on the album, 'Leviathan', is the smooth blend of synthwave and witch house that I mentioned earlier. An eerie blend of hypnotizing humming and amazing synths, as well as lines that John Carpenter would be proud of, made 'Leviathan' an excellent opening track. 

'Russian Market' was a more melodic, electronic bass driven song than anything. In comparison to the previous track it was much more light-hearted, but maintained a similar identity. 'Chinese Battleship' was in the same area as 'Russian Market', focusing in on shoegaze atmospheres with varied synth work breaking barriers. 

'The Rundown' brought in more synthwave influences; whether or not this track could be used for an action flick's chase sequence or a campy horror film's peak slashing point could be argued. What cannot be argued, however, is its undeniable appeal and fantastic throwback sound. 

Getting back attuned with guitar and drums, 'Lobby Raver' was another bass driven song treated with Nerois' smooth vocals. The noisy drum work in 'Palaces In The Night Terror' made for an interesting track. Most of the other songs relied on harmony and melody to push them through, while this one uses its clutter and noise to benefit it. The ending calamity was brilliant. 

In what is the most experimental and ghostly song on the album, 'Chrysostomou Smyrnis' blended Gioumourtzina's shoegaze with witch house drags. The result was a well produced work of love. The final track on the album 'Glasgow' once again brought me back to the eighties and made me want to strap on my headband and become Rambo; shoot communists and ask questions later. The song placed me in a muscle bound jungle setting where the only way out was with guns and bullets and explosions. 

I think that some listeners may have trouble getting into Gioumourtzina's sound because they can bounce from one genre to the next without blinking an eye, but there is no denying that these guys are talented and have good production value. I see why Inner Ear Records chose them to be a part of their revered roster. Good 80s throwbacks, good blend of all types of electronic genres, and a good pair of Greek men. What more could you ask for? 
May 31 2016