New Jersey based Empty City Squares, the brainchild of John Fotiadis (AKA “Yanni” to his friends), have released a new 14-track album 337, and it is quite good. Following on from the debut, self-titled release, 337 delves deeper into the influences of Yanni, taking further steps into forging his own unique style. The questions remain- is John Fotiadis an architect who writes songs? Or a sublime songwriter who can construct more than just works of melodic splendor? Regardless this is something worthwhile to venture into, and 337 dances between power pop, blues with an ever present touch of sixties psychedelia.
The long-player begins with a thriller in the beating “Neighborhood Van Gogh”. A dreamy jangle of guitars which soothe as much as they excite. Switching gear as the album evolves into the acoustic nakedness of “A Big Sunset”. The voice of Yanni soars with honesty here, and yes his influences remain prevalent there remains a stark honesty in the delivery. Almost as if the man is singing for his life.
In truth, there is a plentiful supply of crackers on 337 , a remarkable spread of quality equals quantity. “Slip Into A Dream” is a transcendent slice of phased beauty, “My Name Is Nobody” is reminiscent of something pulled from the counterculture and given a modern makeover.
Tracklist;
1.Neighborhood Van Gogh
2.A Big Sunset
3.Campaign Song
4.Overly Sentimental
5.Sometimes You Need To Look Back (When You Look Ahead)
6.A Conversation With The Sun
7.Just Play
8.Slip Into A Daydream
9.My Name Is Nobody
10.The Promised Land
11.Nothing Got In The Way
12.A Whisper In The Wind
13.It’s Your Day
14.Talk About The Weather
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