Mekanimal – Θόρυβος (Album – Inner Ear Records)
Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave, Cinematographic.
Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.
Background/Info: Giannis Papaioannou set up Mekanimal in 2011. “Θόρυβος” is the Greek word for ‘noise’ and is the fifth album by the project, which last year took me by surprise releasing one of the best albums from 2020. “Crux” featuring vocals by Freddie Faulkenberry remains an impressive piece of music, but this new opus is featuring vocals by Angelica Vrettou who also is the video artist of Mekanimal and who found the name of the project.
Content: “Noise” sounds different to “Crux” and yet you get a similar eclectic approach. It’s simply impossible to define this band, but the new influences you’ll recognize on “Noise” are Minimal-Electronics, Electroclash, Cinematographic and Electro-Wave music. All vocals have been sung in Greek, but the production is once more very special; a kind of half-spoken half-sung and somewhat whispering expression. The album reveals 8 tracks, each new song featuring new surprises.
+ + + : If there was one project I discovered over the past few years and I would recommend to open-minded music lovers, Mekanimal would for sure be on my list. The music is original, but also efficient. The fusion between music and vocals is once again brilliant. I also like Angelica Vrettou’s sensual way of singing. Sound-wise I like the Electroclash reminding “Go Ahead” revealing a solid bass line and a harder, retro-like kick. I also enjoyed the inciting title track, which also features great retro elements. The last song “It Is The Ghost” is another attention grabber for its dreamy, evasive beauty, which has something pretty Cinematographic although featuring female- and male vocals. “Noise” is a great production revealing refreshing elements although composed with some vintage sound treatments.
– – – : You get the impression this album is only meant for the Greek market and that’s a pity as this project is absolutely phenomenal. It’s not that much about the Greek vocals, but all info in the booklet is printed in Greek so it’s impossible for non-Greek speaking people to understand..
Conclusion: Mekanimal confirms on “Noise” an impressive potential mixing talent and creativity. Definitely a band I highly recommend.
Best songs: “Go Ahead”, “Noise”, “It Is The Ghost”, “Red The Poetry Flows”, “I Look At The Shadows On The Walls”.
Rate: (9).
Artist: www.facebook.com/Mechanimal.Official
Label: www.inner-ear.gr / www.facebook.com/InnerEarRecords
About Mekanimal
Mekanimal – spelled Mechanimal on the band’s own releases – is a modular project from Athens, Greece, set up by Giannis Papaioannou in 2011. Previously reviewed on Side-Line for the “Crux” album, which featured vocals by Freddie Faulkenberry, the project returned with “Θόρυβος” (“Noise”) on Inner Ear Records on March 12, 2021, its fifth album and first with vocals in Greek, sung by Angelica Vrettou, who also serves as the project’s video artist and gave Mekanimal its name. Papaioannou also discussed the project in a Click Interview with Side-Line.
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