ETERNAL RECURRENCE by Constantine Skourlis

On this immersive follow-up to Hades, Constantine Skourlis tackles the polarization of society, the disintegration of truth-telling and the climate of denial: heady subjects that deserve the dramatic treatment. Without voice (save for a wordless soprano), the set carries the weight of the world on its shoulders, a sonic Atlas. The combination of organic and electronic instrumentation lends the production a regal quality, like the changing of kings.

Multiple contributions are required to make music this thick. In addition to electronics, halldorophone and cello, guests contribute percussion, bass clarinet and soprano voice ~ a high note that cuts through the low. Serapheim Giannacopoulos (Planet of Zeus) lends the project a heavy metal feel. Occasionally all the music breaks down, as in the beginning of “Reality Cancelled” (now there’s a 2020 title!) when a piano is able to get a word in edgewise, as if to say, hold on, there’s still hope. When the darkness encroaches in a mangled cloud of drone, one remembers there was a melody, once upon a time.

While a sociopolitical tone runs through the titles, a religious tinge does as well: “Destroy False Idols,” “Atonement,” “Ascension.” The thread of Greek mythology, apparent in Hades, continues in “Lethe.” We are living amidst grand schemes, crossing religious lines: battles for the right to define reality itself, as if our world leaders were vying for possession of the red stone. In “Reckoning,” an electronic rustle imitates a steam engine: we may move forward or back, but we must move.

-Richard Allen

Constantine Skourlis, an electronic music composer, sound artist, and producer from Athens, Greece, is renowned for his versatile portfolio across music, cinema, contemporary dance, theatre, and fashion.

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