The Greek dark
duo Strawberry Pills released their debut album "Murder To A
Beat" on October 30th, 2020. The duo, consisting of singer Valisia
Odell and Antonis Konstantaras on guitar, had resurfaced after a 6-year hiatus.
Sonically, with this album the band aim for a fresh dark sound while paying
homage to the 80’s, with its title inspired by the queen of crime, Agatha
Christie.
The opening
track of the album, "The Voyeur", is an ode to Guy Bourdin’s
voyeuristic photography. A classic example of the duos sound based on minimal
electronics as a backdrop with flashes of guitar and Valisia’s characteristic
singing style. Almost spoken word, with her individual pronunciation. All these
elements of fiction, horror, death and romance as stated by the band are
combined on "Private Nightmare" that has a more oldschool feel. Next
comes "Verbal Suicide" that was actually their comeback song,
released in February 2019 gaining major airplay. This low tempo minimal track
gets addictive especially when the groove kicks in during the chorus and the
sci-fi synth sounds at its climax. The first side ends with "Enter The
Void", another 80ish track that’s more guitar driven.
On the second
side of the album, we have the new wavy "Dreams" with its synthy
verse and a more dynamic chorus with chaotic guitars and Valisia singing “Murder,
murder…”. Thing calm down on "Porcelain Face", a song about an
alluring femme fatale. Again here, after a calm nocturnal sounding verse, the
chorus comes in a bang. On the next track "Icarus" that was initially
released in May 2019, has a more pop sensibility with electro sounds and a more
playful vibe. In the same vein we have the closing track "Set To Rise
Again" but with a more minimalistic approach.
The album was
recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Panos Tsekouras at Top Floor Studio. The
duo was also assisted by Aristomenis Theodoropoulos, an old fellow artist who
had previously worked with them in their previous band Phoenix Catscratch. The
artwork and photos are done by Aris Athanatos. It comes as in black and clear vinyl
180 gram but will also be available digitally.
Review by
Nick Drivas
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