Saturday 27 February 2016

Soil Festivities (Vangelis, 1984)

Ευάγγελος Οδυσσέας Παπαθανασίου is so well known and appreciated worldwide that he doesn't need a proper presentation here. His original soundtracks are likely to be the highlights of his career, but this Greek multi-instrumentalist and composer has a highly diversified career, including more unpredictable and experimental albums. This is the case with "Soil Festivities", featuring a sole track, divided into five movements.

"Soil Festivities" was the 19th studio solo work by Vangelis.

We're mid-way between ambient and electronic prog, with symphonic parts (especially the last movement), relaxing themes and even krautrock echoes. The pulsating synths, the real life effects and the rapid, beating sounds describe the invisible and frantic life of the tiny inhabitants of the soil during a rainy day. It's something completely different from the airy melodies of Vangelis' most famous tracks, but it's also an intriguing, inner exploration into the fresh earth and the darkest corners of human souls.

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