Σtella returns with her most Greek-flavoured album yet, “Adagio”, released on Sub Pop Records — and it feels just right.
Having lived for many years in the same Athens neighbourhood as Stella Chronopoulou, it’s fascinating to witness – nearly a decade after her 2015 solo debut – her most Greek-influenced work to date, which also includes her first songs sung in Greek.
And I suppose Sub Pop, the cult independent label from Seattle, had something to do with that – embracing more exotic, intriguing sounds as they approach their 40th year.
And it’s especially rewarding for us at beehype, to see her wings spread even wider.
We’ve followed her journey since our first feature back in 2015 and again in 2017, with the release of her second album, “Works For You”.
Now with “Adagio’s” nine new melodic tracks, you feel instantly that you are travelling to the Mediterranean and other warm places around the world. Her gentle sound draws from tropicalia, yé-yé, slow-beat disco, samba and other jangling chords, always with a strong sense of dream pop.
And as I mentioned earlier, Σtella’s Greek roots come to the surface more clearly than ever, though still with restraint – even when she sings in Greek on “Όμορφό Μου” (which means “My Beautiful One”).
The other Greek song that Σtella explores in her new album, is Litsa Sakellariou’s “Ta Vimata”, a cover of a cult 1969 classic of the so called Greek New Wave era. It floats by like a soft caress.
Another joyful moment – and one of my favourites – is “Baby Brazil”, a collaboration with Las Palabras, broadly known as Rafael Cohen, a multi-instrumentalist & songwriter of the band !!! (aka Chk Chk Chk). His influence on Σtella is notable, encouraging her to explore new songwriting approaches.
Produced by Σtella and mixed by Edmund Irwin-Singer, the album runs just 26 minutes and 33 seconds – yet it’s like a pillow you want to rest your head on after a turbulent day.
Sweet, sometimes melancholic, delicately arranged with nylon-stringed guitars, soft strings, vintage electronics, and Σtella’s tender voice.
Come closer.
Stream “Adagio” LP on Bandcamp and Spotify.
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