Album Review: XOAN - Greenhorn (2020)
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| Photo Credit: Antonakis Christodoulou / XOAN |
XOAN - Greenhorn
Release: May 29, 2020
Label: selfrelease / Cassette via Bitter Tea Records
Format: Cassette/Digital
Length: 32:50
Genre: Alternative Rock
In 2017 Giannis, Phillip, Yiannis and Antonis from Athens started playing warm and comfortable Alternative Rock in the style of the era around the millenium together. Hence, XOAN were born. The quartet played numerous concerts in and around the Greek capital and started recording their first album in 2018. "Greenhorn" has recently been released and features eight tracks of vibrant, melodic sounds with honest, serious and yet cynical content.
The sound on "Greenhorn" is defined by heavy Rock riffs, polyphone warm harmonies and driving rhythms. The beauty of the album is created by the magnitude of musical layers. Bass, guitars and keyboards dance with each other in graceful pirouettes while the drums steadily push forward with chequered beats. On top there are the powerful and yet soulful vocals which often are supported by background chorals.
What I like especially is that XOAN manage to present strong, thoughtful Alternative Rock that does not implement the dark negativity of many mid-90s Alternative and Grunge bands. Don't get me wrong, I love dark music. But what XOAN do here is making themselves autonomous and unique within the genre. A further feature of uniqueness are the psychedelic sounds that swirl around the soundscapes on "Greenhorn".
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| Photo Credit: Nefeli Papaioanou / XOAN |
"Greenhorn" is an amazing debut. XOAN wrap serious and important thoughts up in a comfortable, empowering and positive way. Both, music and lyrics convey a powerful motor for standing up, keeping up, and making progress. Add this album to your alarm clock and the day will be yours. Listen to it at the end of the day again and you'll be full of motivation and joy.
XOAN Online:
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