Tears Go Upwards. Playground Theory

Tears Go Upwards is intriguing album title, as I am inclined to answer only when I'm standing on my head or having an extremely fierce wind in my eyes. All those thoughts aside, this is about the music Playground Theory makes and this is more than nice enough to listen to and give some extra attention on this blog.

Speaking of dreamy, almost lucent music. The music on this album, if only physical, could be seen right through. The electronic synth sounds hover in front of my eyes. The voice is so fine it will break at my touch. At first, superficial listen, it may even appear there's not enough happening on Tears Go Upwards. To remain stuck there would be a serious mistake. Allow yourself to be taken away, "surrender" is the invitation in opening song 'Circle'. I took that invitation and dived in.

Despite the synths basis of Tears Go Upwards, there are real drums and bass to be found on the album, giving it an organic backdrop and warmth. This isn't the whole story. My perception of it is that the album is warm from itself. All sounds are made to suck the listener into the mysterious musical world Playground Theory creates for itself and its listeners. Although I haven't listened to the album for ages, it does remind me of the Celtic folk made by Enya in the late 80s. And, the synths of many heroes of around 1980, with the difference that the songs on Tears Go Upwards are not clinical proponents of the ice cold Cold War age.

No, the music on this album allows to dream away. In that way it is a sort of drug bringing the listener into a different mind frame. One where the world becomes a little better than it actually is. The reverb guitar is missing but Donna Blue is on the same line as this band.

Playground Theory is from Athens, Greece's capital and main city. I would never have guessed as this is international music. Singer Maria Israelidis is obviously not a native singer, but guesses stop there. Together with Dimitris Negkas and Vagelis Katsoulakis she forms the band that was given a hand by Diamantis Kazouris on guitar and Tolis Metzidakis on bass for this release. This is the band's third release after, forming in 2009, releasing “Speaking of Secrets” (2013) and “Connect the Dots” (2016).

Where Tears Go Upwards succeeds is in combining the electronical side of the band with the human. Israelidis may sing in an undercooled fashion, she is very much alive. Through the synth sounds that often form the basis of a song, little melodies are woven that make the songs sparkle. When the guitar joins, Kazouris plays nice motives adding to the song. The added melodies can also be just a few notes on a piano or another kind of electronic sound, they find their way straight into my ears, spreading joy.

If I have a complaint, it is that the album is too long for me to listen to in one go. For that diversity is lacking in the dreamy beauty that is on display abundantly. So, eight songs may be enough for one day, they are eight songs that I truly enjoy.

Wo.

You can listen to and buy Tears Go Upwards here:

https://playgroundtheory.bandcamp.com/album/tears-go-upwards


or listen to our Spotify Playlist to find out what we are writing about:

https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g