Album Review: Presence | Bryyo

Hello-hello! It's been less than a month since our last review and I'm rushing back here to save us from the heat that is dangerously rising - at least here, in Athens. I have something SO breezy, I can guarantee you'll stay more than cool during those fiery days. Without further ado, let's dive right into the gleaming waters of Bryyo's latest LP titled 'Presence' and reveal the treasures that beg to be discovered.

The 'Intro' lands the listener to the most dreamy beach in existence. You are all alone with your feet into the sand, using your hands to cover your eyes from the warm sun that makes the sea look golden. Here there are no worries - only a soothing kick and some bright, nostalgic ethers playing as you gaze a horizon full of freedom and opportunities. Everything is gonna be alright. And then, a harmless asteroid named 'Banshee' hits the ocean of this extraterrestrial place with its huge percussion, polished synths and galloping melodies. Futuristic yet vintage, 'Banshee' sets the tone and promises a rich experience full of light and exploration - a new world like the one presented in the artwork of the album's cover. Now, the homonymous 'Presence' is a laid-back piece of music overflowing with optimism while maintaining a sturdy beat over graceful keys until Bryyo decide to give it the most unexpected, rock-driven twist. Little before the end, 'Presence' erupts like a volcano and feels like the finishing moment of the best sex you've ever had. After this climax, we're given a well-deserved rest with 'Strike'. The subterranean bass, minimal percussion and lofi qualities of 'Strike' make this a safe place to rest and daydream with a Pink Frozen Margarita. Same goes for 'Drift' that follows seamlessly to extend this experience with some bonus exotic touches.

The second half of this journey begins with the mystical 'Elysian'. Instantly alluring, 'Elysian' gives off a kind of darkness that feels warm and welcoming, almost erotic. Its soft power and slow-burning energy make it one of the most memorable moments of the album and most certainly my personal favorite up to this point. If you let 'Elysian' take over your senses, I promise it's a one way trip to paradise. Let me rewind and play it one more time before I move on, please... Ok, I'm back. 'Barbarian' (feat. Ryan Lombart) is a full-fledged rock gem, coming all spicy and energised to set fire to the headphones. Barbarian strongly reminded me of the Artful Escape, a game where a young musician goes through an intergalactic adventure, holding his music as his only weapon to face his inner demons. Same vibes, same sentiment. The following 'Fabric', the naughty sibling of 'Banshee' sends us speeding on futuristic motorcycles in a TRON-like universe and I'm here for the geometries, the data streams and the neon lights. Bryyo successfully cut the invisible fabric of our world with their Subtle Knife (if you know, you know) creating a portal for us to escape.

The moment 'Channel' started playing I thought I was listening to Röyksopp's 'Sordir Affair' but soon enough, the track became the hypnotic little transition that it is, restful and gentle, pouring into the sassy 'Nightcrawler'. I imagine this one blasting the speakers of the End of the Line club (referencing Tron once more) and, like many of the tracks in Presence, I definitely visualise it in the track-list of the upcoming 'Ares' sequel OST. Back to the chill side, the mesmerising 'Distance' and 'Siphon' sound like a white canvas for you to pour meaning into. Neither strong nor weak, they leave me with mixed feelings. Even though both tracks did not hit the spot for me, they do belong in this body of work and don't remotely spoil the experience. 'Trailing' is proudly entering the room with uplifting, brilliant melodies like a wild horse running on the surface of the sea. A transcending, surreal image. If I had to describe it in Greek, I'd say 'Trailing' has 'μπρίο', pronounced bree-o (just like the name of the band), meaning it has a strong energy/liveliness/pizazz. 'Ellipsis' just makes for another powerful anthem for a sci-fi film, falling into the Banshee-Fabric-Nightcrawler category to complete a quartet little before the album's farewell 'Horizon'. We are back to where we began, with our hands covering our eyes as a beguiling female figure made of chrome rises from the waters and chants a healing spell to send us back to the real world. I open my eyes and I'm back to my office.

Having listened to Presence, I couldn't come up with a more accurate name for the duo of Carl Bisenius and Hannah Edmiston-Bisenius for the aforementioned reasons. Bryyo managed to create an intergalactic adventure for their audience, in a world where the only ruling principles are progress, balance and peace. Where sleek architecture co-exists with rough, natural landscapes in harmony. From the hyper-dynamic Banshee and Fabric to the meditating 'Intro' and 'Elysian', Bryyo offer a futuristic rollercoaster in planets unexplored and we are here for the escapism. Until next time! Take care!

Listen to Bryyo here:

https://on.soundcloud.com/qXjRHQwlpgqeL09P0j