The Squid's Ear
Writing about improvised, contemporary, experimental and unusual music,
following the activities of Squidco...
  •  •  •     Join Our Mailing List!



The Squid's Ear




Heard In

Reviews of artist releases:
cd's, books, magazines, &c.


  Thanos Chrysakis 
  Psyche
  (Eternal Music Projects) 


  
   review by Massimo Ricci
  2025-11-05
Thanos Chrysakis: Psyche (Eternal Music Projects)

Way back in 2008, when my initial perceptions of Thanos Chrysakis were largely shaped by his status as an improvising musician, it would not have occurred to me that he�d become a distinguished composer of spellbinding electronic music. However, as is the case with any event associated with a younger age, insight does not arrive instantly.

As time has elapsed, this writer has come to discern in Chrysakis's work the deepness of sense and plurality of overtones that position him as a figure to carefully observe on the current scene, which is contaminated by a conspicuous ordinariness more often than one realizes. The latest statement of the multifaceted Greek artist in the domain of electroacoustic abstractionism, Psyche represents a strong signal for audiences tending to drift away from predictability.

And yet, the term "abstractionism� should not be perceived as misleading or deceptive. The seven tracks presented in this collection, with their lack of stringent systemic rigidity and continuous transformation, simultaneously exhibit distinct textures, finely arranged constituents and vivid, if rather fleeting details. This careful crafting conveys an awareness of order, even amidst the ductility inherent in the sounds, and it never induces disorientation.

Chrysakis maintains sharp concepts regarding the intended direction for each individual chapter, effectively challenging our perceptual limits via subtle shifts in the aural topography, complemented by a variety of revelations that keep us engaged and alert in between varying trance-like states. A rewarding coalescence of sonic anatomy and fluidity is thus created, intensifying the experience through gliding drones and pulses (�Distant Landmark�, �Verdant Land�), layered reverberations seemingly emanating from human vocal forms (�Psyche�), or labyrinthine substructures (�Where A Path Meets Another Path�). And much more, which is better discovered by yourselves.

We can positively affirm that the objective of maintaining the listener in a state of rational innocence has been accomplished. Still, the question remains as to whether the average psyche � frequently disfigured by pretentious ego and scarce integrity � can be adequately represented by the unalloyed vibrating qualities of these beautiful pieces.







Comments and Feedback:



More Recent Reviews, Articles, and Interviews @ The Squid's Ear...


The Squid's Ear presents
reviews about releases
sold at Squidco.com
written by
independent writers.

Squidco

Recent Selections @ Squidco:


Bruce Coates/
Paul Dunmall/
John Edwards/
Trevor Lines/
Mark Sanders:
Five On A Die
(FMR)



Jason Stein/
Marilyn Crispell/
Damon Smith/
Adam Shead:
Live at
the Hungry Brain
[VINYL]
(Trost Records)



The Dinner Party/
Ansuman Biswas:
Broken Dream
(FMR)



Jordan Paul Topiel/
Bryan Eubanks:
Pushovers
(Sacred Realism)



Rodrigo Amado's The Bridge (
Amado/
Schlippenbach/
Haker-Flaten/
Hemingway):
Further Beyond
(Trost Records)



Davis/
Ferrari/
Mazza:
Things Of This Nature
(Mahakala Music)



Szilard Mezei Octet:
Only In Movies
(FMR)



Frode Gjerstad:
The Entire 39 CD Collection
[39-CD BOX SET]
(FMR)



Steve MacLean:
Box Of Seven
[7 CD BOX]
(Recommended Records)



Bucher/
Tan/
Countryman:
Nothing In Between
(FMR)



The Thunks (
Harnik/
Brandlmayr/
Kern):
Swarm Patterns
(Trost Records)



Daniel Levin:
At Dropa House
(Squid Note Records)



These Things Happen (
Jackson/
Hoogland/
Roebke/
Avery):
A Gentle Reminder
[VINYL]
(Corbett vs. Dempsey)



Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere:
Theta Seven
(Discus)



Dave Sewelson (
w/ Steve Swell/
William Parker/
Marvin Bugalu Smith):
More Music
for a Free World
(Mahakala Music)



Albert Ayler Quintet:
Copenhagen, Bordeaux 1966 &
Newport 1967 Live
First Release
(Thingamajig)



Brandon Seabrook (
Seabrook/
Fraser/
Dicker/
Stemeseder):
Hellbent Daydream
(Pyroclastic Records)



Kenny Wheeler Sextet:
What Was
(False Walls)



Tore Elgaroy/
Henry Kaiser:
The Sound of
the Stars
(New Noise)



John Bruschini:
Cecil Ensorcelled
(Bru Note)







Squidco
Click here to
advertise with
The Squid's Ear






The Squid's Ear pays its writers.
Interested in becoming a reviewer?




The Squid's Ear is the companion magazine to the online music shop Squidco !


  Copyright © Squidco. All rights reserved. Trademarks. (32417)