Genre: Metal
Release Date: 24
April 2015
Label: Olitunes
Olivia Hadjiioannou is the multi-instrumentalist OH. This
lady knows how to rock and shred on the six string and it does not stop there.
She composes all of her work and plays bass, drums and keyboards and sings.
Synemotion
is
her second release. Sleeping World was
her first release two years ago; I remember how it got my attention
immediately. My expectations were sky high for the new release. I know I should
not place expectations upon an artist but when you respect the artist and love
what you heard the first time you ever listened it’s hard not to look forward
to something new and exciting.
OH was kind enough to send me the limited edition 2 LP
set. There were 300 copies produced and only a few are left if you are
interested in being one of the select people in the world to own this
collectable slice of metal. I was expecting progressive metal but what I got
was flat out metal tracks. While diverse and a showcase for the talent of this
artist it simply did not sound progressive as I know it. It is however
progressive in other ways such as what drove the artist to create the music in
the first place, relating it all to the human condition and the choices we
have. The artwork is eye catching to be sure and the LP set is beautifully
packaged. Music is whatever you want it to be so listen and make your choice
and or categorization.
According to the artist the album Synemotion is a journey through the complex emotional states we
experience when we are overwhelmed by concerns and fears. I like the premise on
which this music was created and that means a lot to this listener.
OH composes, performs, records and mixes all her tracks
and does it all very well. Most of the tracks include very heavy fat power
chords with sharper more pin point riffs sandwiched in between. Anyone that is
into guitar virtuoso types of music will love this release. Some of the tracks
I found exhilarating and others interesting but in the end an appreciation for
the overall talent this artist brings to the table. You can count on some
amazing six string runs throughout this listen.
The first two tracks are at a lightning fast pace and I
really enjoyed them then after that things get a little more complicated.
Depending on your taste you will find something to enjoy if you are into guitar
based music without vocals. I liked the way “Runaway” and “Rumpus” kicks things
off on Side A but by the time I got to side C it was starting to sound like
organized confusion if you will (like life can be sometimes). I know that
sounds negative but it is not that way. I am merely interpreting what I am
hearing and trust me it’s all good. This approach and the way the compositions
come together are very purposeful and it all makes a musical statement that
matches the title of each track. When I gave Side D a spin “Beckoning” provided
more of the variety that I heard previously and some hard and fast then slower
more delicate moments that showed how diverse this artist can be. As a point of
interest for musicians, her guitar was tuned at A=444Hz (C=528Hz) for “Synemotion,” “Runaway,” “Rumpus,” “Deception” and “World of
Warcraft.”
The title track “Synemotion” finalizes the album with OH’s
voice narrating all of the words listed on the inside sleeve of the album. It
is prolific and it can be a life changing message if you truly digest it and
own it. I found it interesting that it ended the album rather than open it up.
It makes you pay more attention to the music then decide what it all means at
the end for you the listener.
There are a lot of things to appreciate with OH and I
will look forward to future projects. This is one more step to the next level
for an artist that will continue to get more attention with each subsequent
release. She has my utmost respect for such a huge accomplishment. I know it
was labor of love and it shows.
4.5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Runaway, Beckoning, Synemotion
Tracks:
Side A:
1.Run Away
2.Rumpus
3.Subterfuge
Side B:
4.Elegy
5.Deception
Side C:
6.Reception
7.World of Warcraft
Side D:
8.Beckoning
9.Synemotion
Tracks:
Side A:
1.Run Away
2.Rumpus
3.Subterfuge
Side B:
4.Elegy
5.Deception
Side C:
6.Reception
7.World of Warcraft
Side D:
8.Beckoning
9.Synemotion
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder
July 31, 2015
Review
Provided By Write A Music