WL//WH Review INCIRRINA “Trace” LP
incirrina by @nestortphotography
On May 29, the precious darkwave duo of INCIRRINA (Athens, GR) released their third full-length album, “TRACE”, through Cold Transmission Music, a captivating and highly addictive new collection featuring 11 new songs of high-quality music and aesthetic creations.
I read in the press kit:
“In this album, Incirrina expands the distinctive sonic universe they had established with the previous albums. “Lip Led Scream” (2022) and “8.15” (2019), experimenting with instrumentation, rhythm and vocal approach”
and these words perhaps reveal only half the truth of their new album, but which band says more about itself? This is our own assumption, perhaps, of the editors in the dedicated media.
incirrina by @nestortphotography
The “TRACE” LP transitions somewhat discreetly to a more mature level in the course of this important band, comprised of two professional music teachers whose souls are deeply rooted in the Darkwave. George Katsanos (analogue synthesizers, octapad, drum programming, electric bass guitar, kantele, alto melodica, samples, waterphone, vocals), Irini Tiniakou (synthesizers,vocals), meaning words and music by INCIRRINA, together with their long-time partner in crime, Konstantinos Londos (lyrics, except for the song “Sometimes” by INCIRRINA), have once again recreated the observatory of human life in a unique way.
These are the issues that this very talented group is passionate about; almost every time in all their works, INCIRRINA observe and record the evolution of the human species as it moves towards the urban abyss. Having known the band from the beginning of their journey and on a personal level, I can confidently say that everything they release is a natural evolution of the music they have been creating for years.
They have never given the impression that a new release is simply another piece of their work; rather, it feels as though they allow time for their ideas to mature within our bustling (and inhuman) city before presenting something fully developed—a fresh perspective. This process requires not only innate talent but also a cultivated skill set, a calm mind, and a true immersion in their surroundings. It’s worth noting that they don’t live in a quiet suburb but right in the heart of the city’s ‘vibrant action’.
There is an official video for the opening track of the album, the song “Mutate”, press play “mutate erupt transform amaze”, and then I’ll tell you more about the album…
…and last summer, they released almost unexpectedly “ΚΡΥΦΟ” (Hidden), which is the closing track of the “TRACE” LP and includes one of the few instances where the lyrics are in the Greek language. I should note here that on Bandcamp you can find all the lyrics of Konstantinos Londos and INCIRRINA.
There are many elements in their music, both dark and light, and there is a genuine truth in what they create—both in the sound and the lyrics. They are a band that continually looks ahead while also maintaining a close focus on the bigger picture. Unlike others, they have never relied on “revivals” or tried to capitalize on past successes of the darkwave. I believe this mindset drives them to create the current darkwave music, characterized by bitterness and precision in both their musical composition and the words crafted by their lyricist and collaborator.
So, I shared two tracks here from their new album and wrote what I wanted to say about this amazing band. Now it’s your turn to discover the entire “TRACE” LP and see for yourself what INCIRRINA is really looking at.
Press play, listen close, and show them your love!!!
Keep up with Incirrina:
incirrina by @nestortphotography
Written by Mike D.
