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.