[Self-released, 2019]
Intro: Dimitris Kaltsas
Translation: Alexandros Mantas
11 / 02 / 2019
The Peloponnese DiZZY DiZIGN are a favourite case of a band for a list of reasons. First and foremost, their line-up consists of the five Sampaziotis brothers (!) putting the impressive co-existence of Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman of the legendary Gentle Giant to shame. Yet the most important element that distinguishes them is undoubtedly the unpretentious experimentation within the framework of progressive rock they go into and the impressive, well-balanced arrangements that exude impressive teamwork dedicated to a common goal.
Dizality in 2011 laid the groundwork for this course and the progress they made both in composing and the production was revealed in Exposure L (2016) (our reviews here). In the mini LP entitled Repeatedly L which was released on January, 4th they didn’t simply make a step forward, but it is the proof that the aesthetic of the music of DiZZY DiZIGN is skyrocketing, walking (as always) obscure paths.
https://dizzydizign.bandcamp.com/album/repeatedly-l#:~:text=%5Bbandcamp%20width%3D100%25%20height%3D120%20album%3D3622088609%20size%3Dlarge%20bgcol%3Dffffff%20linkcol%3D0687f5%20tracklist%3Dfalse%20artwork%3Dsmall%5D
The curious case of DiZZY DiZIGN
Since the beginning of the band’s journey in business, their peculiarity became instantly clear to those who discovered them. A band hailing from the little town of Kyparissia consisting of five brothers is surely far from anything normal, let alone that the basis of their music lies in progressive rock. Having in mind that their previous album lacked only in production values compared to the standards of the modern prog rock, I proceeded to listen to Repeatedly L, their new release that contains two tunes of a total duration of 20 minutes.
From the get-go it becomes plain that there’s been a quantum leap in the fields of production and recording. Their musical proposition is supported now by an almost impeccable work on the aforementioned fields and overall, the band sounds more experienced and tighter than ever.
The five siblings pull off to present holistic progressive rock in the two songs with dashes from the best part of its spectrum in an indeed brilliant and subtle fashion. Experimental passages and Canterbury references are dotted here and there, yet they never pigeonhole the final outcome. It is evident that the musicians have zeroed in on the composition themselves and their flow. They achieve to sound adventurous, dodging senseless and intricate changes, never sacrificing melody.
The two cuts are of equal quality, although Extremely, the one that kicks off the album, had a somewhat greater impact on me. Furthermore, the part that includes vocals illustrates the maturity of the band in this specific field since in combination with the wonderful guitar solo that comes next, it constitutes a monumental moment. The only niggle is that in the second song, entitled Callings, they attempt to milk the same cow twice and the result is not as successful as before. Nevertheless, the song has an awesome flow and wondrous sections. Granted, the playing of the musicians is not dazzling, but a beautiful democracy that permeates the band becomes evident which keeps the balance and when someone is taking a lead role, this means that something important this way comes.
DiZZY DiZIGN is the well-hidden gem of the Greek progressive scene. A band that charts its own course with its own surroundings, where the longing for creation is the sole motive. Whenever they figure out that the time has come to present their next work, we will be there. Until then, the concise Repeatedly L that bridles with essence and emotions will keep us company.
8 / 10
Kostas Barbas
2nd opinion
Experimental, uncompromising, diverse. This is Repeatedly L, the third album of prog rockers DiZZY DiZIGN hailing from Kyparissia. In only two compositions that drag past the ten-minute mark, they pull off to bring out the entire spectrum of their influences and they offer an album so dense and mature than in spite of its short duration, the number of the ideas is so high that full-length releases of the firmament lack. The almost entirely instrumental nature of the album is conducive to explore and combine many aspects of progressive, like King Crimson with Ozric Tentacles or the modern post rock/metal with 70s jazz prog. The ostinato riffs of the starting Extremely are enriched by keyboard experimentations and a wonderful guitar solo whereas in Callings, my personal favourite, technocracy goes hand in hand with atmosphere. Overall, we have to do with a very interesting release which repays the listener every time they hit the play button.
8.5 / 10
Paris Gravouniotis
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