(2019) Ioanna Gika - Thalassa

Review:
In recent years Ioanna Gika has been quite active as a guest performer in both the indie scene and bigger productions. She recently provided vocals for indie rock act the Drums and she was also featured in Hollywood score projects. If you dig a bit more into her past you will also find the very interesting IO Echo band, which saw Gika and fellow bandmate Leopold Ross produce a mix of goth and pop rock with grunge sensibilities. Gika’s contributions have always been excellent, and it is very intriguing to see her now return with her debut solo record in Thalassa. Here Gika draws influences from her past musical endeavors, but also from her Greek heritage, with the record titled after the Greek word for “sea” and the primordial entity that represents it. The discography of the singer crosses over various genres, and Gika has been always able to fit very well within any pre-existing structures, be it indie music, neo-classical pieces or pop rock anthems. Thalassa breaks ranks from what has been the norm for Gika and introduces a new scope for the singer. The main attribute of the record is its delicate and subtle manifestation, highlighted both through the instrumentation and arrangement. The subtle notes of the opening track introduce this modus operandi, with Gika adding further flourishes to enrich the progression while keeping intact its low-key profile. Even at times when a more upbeat presence is brought forth Gika keeps a tight control over its progression, as is the case with “New Geometry”, not allowing the track to build to a full outbreak. Still as Thalassa unfolds the vision of the producer becomes clearer. In essence this a tasteful, art pop record with an ethereal touch. 

Tracklist:
01 - Roseate
02 - Out of Focus
03 - Thalassa
04 - Messenger
05 - Swan
06 - Weathervane
07 - New Geometry
08 - No Matter What
09 - Ammonite
10 - Drifting

Summary:
Country: USA
Genre: dream-pop, indie-pop