- Jens Atterstrand
- 7 apr.
- 3 min läsning
Influences: Dark Wave, Cold Wave, Post-Punk
On her sophomore full-length release, the London-based Greek artist continues to refine and deepen her artistic identity, further solidifying a distinctive voice within the contemporary electronic landscape. Rather than veering in a radically new direction, she opts for a subtle evolution — a careful elaboration of the sonic pathways previously explored. The result is an album that feels both cohesive and exploratory, rooted in familiar textures yet reaching toward new emotional and aesthetic terrain.
Frosted, often glacial electronic compositions form the backbone of this record, intertwining seamlessly with meditative, introspective lyrical passages that carry the weight of poetry. Through these carefully constructed pieces, she articulates — with a disarming clarity — the urgency of finding a still point within oneself, a state of profound inner tranquility. In an age dominated by noise, speed, and constant external demands, her message feels both radical and restorative: an insistence on the value of interiority. The emotional register of the album fluctuates with precision, oscillating between desperation, quiet resignation, and a melancholic tenderness that recalls the work of British music poet Anne Clarke — particularly in its spoken-word cadences and emotional candor.
The eponymous title track stands as the emotional centerpiece of the album. Drenched in sorrow, it unfolds over a soundscape built around a warm, gently oscillating, and hypnotically repetitive arpeggiated synth loop. This loop, both comforting and haunting, creates an immersive sonic space where grief and solace coexist — not in conflict, but in quiet conversation. It is in these moments of suspended time that the album reveals its full emotional potency.
In contrast, the more explosive tracks — particularly “Pressure” and “Shee” — serve as dynamic ruptures in the album’s contemplative flow. These pieces inject a jolt of raw kinetic energy, providing contrast and relief while reaffirming the emotional stakes. They feel like eruptions of uncontainable feeling to express the struggle to control the psychological tension that simmers beneath the otherwise restrained surface.
The second track, “Nightshades”, features a notable contribution from Henrik Sándor, whose layered guitar lines introduce a new tonal dimension. Subtly invoking the elegant melancholy and a sense of wistful grandeur, enriching the song’s emotional resonance without overwhelming its intimate scale. He also makes a final return to lend his exquisite guitar work to “Words Unspoken” — a subdued, melancholic, and profoundly affecting closing track that brings the album to a graceful and emotionally resonant conclusion.
Across its nine tracks, the album traverses a finely wrought spectrum of styles: frenetic synth-punk, icy and austere cold wave, and several more intimate, enveloping forays into dark wave. Each piece is meticulously crafted, contributing to a rich and cohesive sonic palette that invites repeated listening and deeper immersion.
True to the old adage, the apple rarely falls far from the tree. The music occasionally nods to her compatriots in the Greek Dark Wave scene — particularly Selofan — but here, the aesthetic leans toward minimalism and restraint. Where others might indulge in theatricality or maximalist production, she opts for a more distilled and focused approach, allowing space for nuance and emotional clarity.
Night in Athens has emerged as one of the most unexpectedly captivating discoveries in my recent memory. It doesn’t shout to be heard; instead, it draws you in with its subtlety, atmosphere, and emotional honesty. As I look forward to what this artist will offer next, I find myself repeatedly returning to the world she has created here — the world of Wasted Reflections — and each time, finding something new to hold on to. (Jens Atterstrand)