ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Of Athens ‘Global’

With an EP’s worth of delightfully crafted material, dulled in parts by caustic safety inspections, Leon Of Athens’ debut album is an affable spectrum of potential.
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“This isn’t protest music. This isn’t The Clash” insists Leon Of Athens – or Timoleon Veremis of Athens to give him his full and proper title – warning the more cynically grounded of us, seeking a gritty Grecian response to the countries recent turmoil’s, that our tastes may not be accounted for on this, his debut album. It would be overly simplistic of me to recommend that anyone of such persuasion would be better off passing up on Leon Of Athens and looking elsewhere, as you’d have to question why they have turned to an indie pop act for a contribution to the political discussion surrounding the situation in Greece, even if he is Leon of the city of Athens.

Despite his assertions above, Leon does directly address the tumultuous topic in penultimate track ‘Slow Down’, an upbeat charge from left battlefield. Whilst musically sound, lyrically it lacks a needed nuance to retain the likeability its surging melodies actually deserve. It is the singular moment in the album craving for dainty quaintness. For the twee-seekers among us, the album is very difficult not to get along with.

Opening titular track, ‘Global’, rather fittingly pulls in a number of different cultural sounds, creating great momentum for the album ahead; A combination of Spanish inflected guitar that wouldn’t go amiss on any Mark Kozelek project, warming trumpet sounds bookending verses and filling the bridge, and drifting euro-pop synths that could easily have made for a convoluted mess, but are weaved together with real prowess. The result is the most intriguing cut on the album, a success of great scope.

Cemented by a folksy drive, and aired out by atmospheric synths, the album has the charm of one of its creators main influences, the darling side tracks of M83’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (I’m mainly looking at you ‘Raconte-Moi Une Histoire’), but lacks the weight and emotional shoegazy ambient punch that Anthony Gonzalez and pals have mastered. Without the equivalents of all-encompassing heavyweights ‘Wait’, ‘My Tears Are Becoming A Sea’ or filmmaker favourite ‘Outro’, Global tends to feel distant in large parts. When it does slow itself down and its creator takes a breath, or a heavy sigh, it is a technically proficient record. ‘Sirens’ demonstrates this, expansive and otherworldly yet comforting, a real contemplative gem, but the only time we find ourselves confronted and provoked in an abstract manner.

Lead single ‘Baby Asteroid’ possesses a strong central melody but unfortunately falls short beneath its lacking ambition, missing the busy charm that ‘Awake II’ utilises so efficiently. A bit too simplistic and slightly over wrought, it serves as too safe a choice for lead single, or even a likeable album track, though is accompanied by a fun video directed by Academy Award Nominated writer/director, and fellow Greek, the ever impressive Yorgos Lanthimos.

Despite its flaws, Global is difficult not to like in large parts, even if it flatters to deceive. Leon’s indie pop sensibilities are undeniable, and it’s hard to not see him build on his strength on future releases. Much of the issues with the record can be explained away and forgiven for by one little reminder.

Global is out 30th June on Mimosa’s Dream Records.

Ben Carlton

Ben Carlton

Ben Carlton

Ben Carlton

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