Since our last post wast dedicated to a great loss in music -talking about the passing of Talos- today I owe to you and myself some quality time on a very fortunate music discovery. Markella is a head turner who appeared to me out of the blue and had an instant impact on my psyche. Let me elaborate.
Coming across the Greek-Norwegian artist was a blessing to a Greek fan of alt pop like me and a reminder that my country has many musicians that do a wonderful job at not following Greek folk music but choose a path of their own - one that has the potential to reach universal recognition. If Markella was ever to represent either Greece or Norway in the Eurovision song contest with her latest single ‘Chaos’, then 12 points would definitely go to her If I were to speak for the Greeks. This is the least she could accomplish and the Sanctum is here for whatever life has in store for her as an artist. Without further ado, let's dive into 'Chaos'...
As I’m trying to take in ‘Chaos’, decode and describe Markella’s sound, I notice a subtly cursive delivery in the likes of Aurora or Charlotte Cardin while the eastern melodies and techno kick remind me of TsarB and Blanche’s 2020 ‘Empire’ album. ‘Chaos’ blends mystical, ethnic strings, eerie synths and contemporary percussion to create an ethereal space where Markella leads the way for us to reflect on past trauma and feelings of emptiness, frustration and futility while helping us explore what is present and what is missing. As the pain is being processed in the dark, minimal verses, it’s almost celebrated in the chorus which overflows with heavenly harmonies as Markella sings: ‘Όσα είχα τα πήρες αλλού, είδα μαύρα σκοτάδια – νύχτα παντού’ like some spiritual entity, translated: ‘You took all I had elsewhere, I saw pitch dark – night everywhere’. The artist states that she makes music for crying in the club or dancing in the bedroom and ‘Chaos’ could not encapsulate these intentions better.
As I’m writing these words, I’m dreaming of an EP or album that embodies all the qualities and euphoric vibe of ‘Chaos’ and I’d love to watch Markella’s world exhibited in a longer format, offering us a fuller experience of her enchanting sound. It’s obvious that there is much to be offered here and Markella has everything it takes to be loved and accepted in a global scale. The Sanctum approves! Cheers!
You can enjoy Markella here:
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