An Epic Journey

Keep Shelly in Athens, the electronic duo originally from Greece, have a new vocalist and a new album. Philokalia, which translates to “the love of beauty,” their most recent work since 2015’s Now I’m Ready. It’s the first album with Australian novelist and poet Jessica Bell.

Philokalia feels like a musical odyssey. With more than half of the tracks clocking in at 5+ minutes, listeners are transported through soundscapes, packed with peaks and valleys of emotion. The duo pulls their influences from techno music and ‘80s synth-pop. However, fresh twists are placed throughout that keep Philokalia from settling into any one genre. Producer RPR takes their eclectic vibe to a special place, reinventing what electronic music can sound and feel like.

“Leave in Silence” sets the tone for the album as it builds from swirling synth pads to a complex beat with atmospheric percussion sounds. Singer Jessica Bell’s passionate vocals glide over the track with the retro tone of an ‘80s pop balladeer. “I’ve made up my mind, despite all the yearning,” she sings with an almost plaintive feel. Relaxing synth melodies underscore the song and come and go like waves of sound.

The next track “Marionette” begins with an ominous, buzzing bassline and it immediately draws you in. In a slightly menacing fashion, Bell’s vocals arrive over a plodding beat. Then, blasts of distorted guitar and vocals fly in from out of nowhere and take the track to an energetic level. Bell’s vocal performance bears some resemblance to Dolores O’Riordan’s in the song “Zombie” by The Cranberries. The song’s dark power is reflected in the lyrics, “Chained to fire, burn my heart I am not your Joan of Arc.”

“Seattle” is a dreamy power ballad, more pop than any of the other tracks on Philokalia. The production really stands out here. Forceful piano chords and an intricate mix of percussion comprise the pulse of the song. Bell’s emotional vocals soar across the arrangement in a dazzling style as she describes a classic city’s landscape singing,  “And we stare at the city lights/Shine upon the seven hills.”

“Philokalia” and “Dark Light” are tracks that pack in EDM influenced beats and crushing synths. They highlight the duo’s keen ability of creating complex, many-layered tracks that still feel alive.

A strong finish to the album comes with “Believe,” a lush chillwave song with entrancing hooks. A catchy guitar lick captures the feel-good energy. The transitions between different breakdowns have the smoothness of radio-friendly dance tracks.  

Keep Shelly in Athens have created an album that blurs the lines between musical styles. Its trance-like compositions can leave listeners in awe by the unique directions they take. Philokalia’s true beauty lies in the vocal performances which are as strong as they are evocative. A precedent has been set for what genre-bending electronic groups can achieve in 2017.