One eskimO is an
eclectic indie release that emphasis the value of a tight group of
musicians to
enhance the presentation of impassioned lyrics, compelling arrangements,
and
the engaging vocals of Kristian Leontiou.
One eskimO
One eskimO: Hometime; Astronauts; Kandi; Slip; Simple Day; Givin Up; Chocolate; All
Balloons; Chosen One; UFO; Amazing
Personnel: Kristian
Leontiou: Vocals; Adam Falkner: Drums, Percussions, Cajon, Vibraphone, Backing
Vocals; Peter Rinaldi: Guitar, Banjo, Backing Vocals; Jamie Sefton: Bass,
Horns, Backing Vocals; Martin Waugh: Guitar; Craig Dodds: Guitar; Mark Bates
and Zak Rae: Keyboards, Programming; Scott Addison: Guitars; Ewan Bleach:
Saxophone; Peter F. Blazer: Keys, Programming; Sonus Quartet: Strings; Kathleen
Sloan: String Arrangement
One eskimO was
released on the indie record label - Shangri-La Music; this marks the band's
first release. The lyrics, arrangements, and overall texture of this release is
driven by singer/songwriter Kristian Leontiou who writes from his day-to-day
experiences, about life, love, losses, the highs, the lows, and the
heartbreaks.
The opening track Hometime
contains a beguiling melody that rings throughout the track and complements the
harmonic vocals of Kristian who melds different emotions and feelings through
his lyrics and arrangement. The track Astronauts
moves the music to the background and focuses on the lyrics that tell the tale
of a breakup when one person wants "space" and the partner is trying to deal
with the situation; Kristian's lyrics and vocals are poignant and raw at the
same time.
Kandi takes a
different look at a relationship where one person's deep love creates blinders
and confusion as to the actions of another. The lyrics pack a lot of sentiment
in a few words "You've been my queen for longer then you know. My love for you
has been... every step I take. ...I heard from Joe about this guy... Why? Why? Why?
Did you need him, where was I. Just how close to you is he?" A moving
arrangement against the touching lyrics heightens the impact of this track.
The track Slip
carries a jazzy baseline that weaves in a little funk and pop to emphasize key
passages within the song; a beautiful collaboration of words and music to
obtain a desired result.
Other tracks include Simple
Day, another memorable track whose tempo is set in motion by rapid fire
lyrics; Givin up features the entire
band opening up and letting loose which is the perfect foil to the expressive
elements of Kristian's lyrics; All
Balloons a whimsical track that characterizes the variety of arrangements
on this release; Chosen One a beautiful
ballad of love and loss; UFO a great
pop track that brings all the elements of the band together; and Amazing that opens with a single horn and Kristian's vocals
and the song unfolds to a crescendo that carries stunning harmonies from the
band and the guest choir, and an inspiring string arrangement.
One eskimO's
arrangements are the fabric that creates a perfect fit to Kristian's lyrics, which
explains why after a successful solo career, Kristian went looking for
musicians who he could work with to project the sound and words that were in
his head, and One eskimO was the
result.
Websites where you can procure One eskimO are Amazon, Tower Records,
CD Universe,
Play.com,
HMV,
and iTunes.
© March 2010. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All
rights reserved.
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