LOGOUT is an artist from Greece who moved to the Netherlands around 2011 when the album “Departure” marked the beginning of his journey, and now he has moved back to the “motherland”, hence the new album is entitled “Of the return”.
I have to say at this point, that being from Athens, Greece myself, and having moved to London 10 years ago, with no intention of going back, there is a lot in this album that hits hard and on a personal level, especially the opening track, named sarcastically “Athens, you are perfect”.
There are multiple layers in this album that are attached to Greek modern culture and music, like similarities to bands like Wooden Swords (Ξύλινα Σπαθιά) and lyrical references that non-Greek-speaking people will miss out on.
Having said all this though, this is an album that can still be enjoyed even if the language is a barrier. Imagine an indie film that is not pretentious, but intimate, human, and heartfelt with scenes and stories about people, society, and politics. And then imagine the soundtrack to that film being this album.
Dreamy guitars, washy reverbs, drums, and percussion are used only when needed, and an intimate storyteller’s vocal guides the listener through this album, which is like daydreaming in a concrete city such as Athens. I love the use of synths because it adds a lot of emotional layers and soundscapes to the songs.
In terms of other references, it reminds me of Radiohead and Muse at some points, and other Brit bands here and there, and there is also a good dose of postpunk here, just enough to add some grit and edge.
I think this would be highly enjoyable to watch live in concert, but even as an album, it’s great for either really swimming deep into it or having it in the background as a musical indie dreamscape. My favourite tracks are 1 and 4.
Written by Spiros Maus
