Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
The birthplace of democracy, the works and thoughts of Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates, the legends and myths of Gods, of true warriors defending a narrow pass, of theatre set against the Mediterranean sky, and seas that carried idea across vast seas; they all require one thing, and it is just as vitally important now in the modern era as it was in times less troubled by those whose notions were presented with an even greater degree of ill-intent today.
It is the heritage of music, the calm, the storm, the binding of all possible beauty and the striking fear of any war that makes life eternally possible, and one that must be nurtured from the natural soil till it is ready to be spread, scattered like nourishing seeds in an effort to Uproot the vibrancy and creativity to all corners where people are in need of solace and inspiration.
For Kombos Collective’s Katerina Clambaneva, Ellie Falaris Ganelin, Emma Selmon, and Mary-Victoria Voustas, the sense of accomplishment of bringing together the heritage of Greek songs and framing them against the refugee experience in such a way that they are not only seismic and beautiful, they resonate with the echoes of all who have found the need to evacuate, to settle in lands not of their own toil across time itself.
With wonderful guest artistry from the players Anastasis Sarakatanos, Wesley Hornpetrie, Anders Eliasson, and Costas Dafnis, the root and structure of the piece becomes almost overwhelming, filled with elation and drama, the richness of the people of Asia Minor who have influenced the southeastern point of Europe with values and dreams, this is the outcome of being uprooted, it is the chance to add something impressive to a neighbour’s life.
Born out of tragedy, collected out of historical presence, tracks such as Menexedes kai Zouboulia, Mortissa Smyrnia, San Apokliros Gyrizo, and Dimitroula Mou lead with the voice of the past and the present very much intact and passionately displayed with no abandon in the air.
An album that captures a heart many will rejoice in hearing, the tales brought to life of leaving one home in search of another; this is the joy of finding new soil to grow upon and having your story heard.
Kombos Collective release Uproot on June 21st.
Ian D. Hall