Ηλίας Σκούρας – 'Κίνδυνος Εξόδου': An album with some distinct meanings

The album is yet another well-rounded work from the composer-songwriter, and at the same time proof that Greek-language rock can be the chariot we use to face the difficulties of everyday life.

Appearances at major festivals

Ηλίας has a significant journey behind him, with many appearances at major festivals. The artist from Λαμία got his start playing at Φεστιβάλ Οίτης with Θάνο Μικρούτσικο. All this while he was preparing his first personal music collection. What followed was plenty of unplugged live events in Athens, as well as all over Greece, between 2014 and 2015. He shared the same stage as Κώστα Παρίσση (Υπόγεια Ρεύματα).

Things continued with the 4^th Φεστιβάλ Αρβανίτσας, where he took part with his band, and at the 2^nd he played alongside Μ. Πασχαλίδη and Γ. Χαρούλη. There he also presented his first musical work, generally titled 'Χαβάς και Ανασφάλεια Στη Χώρα Των Θαυμάτων'. Before the pandemic, in the summer of 2016, he opened the concert for Χαίνηδων in Αταλάντη, while during the lockdown period, he created his second work, titled 'Κίνδυνος Εξόδου'. On the album he collaborated with Δημήτρη Λάππα on the musical side, and with Γιώργο Γκανέλη, Αλέκα Σαφάκα, Μιχάλη Φλυντζάνη and Σταύρο Χυμευτό on the lyrics.

'Κίνδυνος Εξόδου': It will be your very own personal emergency exit

The record carries a lot of meaning. The music has, at times, a dark aura, and at other times a more cheerful one (playfully mocking, you might say). Still, the tracks are all part of one manifesto. A declaration by Ηλίας about everyday life and the difficulties of modern living. It's an album where the composer 'sticks it' to everyone up top. Listening to him, I pick out plenty of influences from Greek rock artists. 'Κίνδυνος Εξόδου' has something of Ενδελέχεια and Υπόγεια Ρεύματα in it.

On the musical side

The Ηλίας Σκούρας is not just any musician of Greek rock music. To begin with, he has a very specific style in mind, which he wants to convey and doesn't deviate from. He introduces elements that make the difference. Examples are 'Οφθαλμαπάτη' with its waltz rhythm, the 'Συρμός' with the harmonica and 'Αλκοολούχος', which completely breaks free from the confines of rock.

In his songs, Ilias has a connection to Greek folk tradition. The album walks along rock paths, but the composer also brings in instruments like the bouzouki at several points. The rhythms of the album's songs are relatively slow and the track lengths are short. Their strength, though, is considerable, both musically and lyrically. Beyond the extra instruments Ilias works into the album, the main melodies are built on the sound of the 'clean', acoustic guitar. Of course, there are also electric guitar melodies and riffs, with a bit more 'dirt' to them, but these are limited. All of this is in line with the style of Greek rock / alternative music.

Ilias's voice sits in the low frequencies and has 'body' to it. It's marked by a lot of melodicism, and combined with the clarity of the music it creates a wonderful mix, one that feels very familiar to listeners' ears.

Lyrically speaking

'Κίνδυνος Εξόδου' has a forceful style in its lyrics. It calls out everyday life, its wrongs, and interpersonal relationships. There's rage in the subject matter. But it also has a surrealist streak, with vivid descriptions that paint pictures. From that angle, the tracks are full of similes and take you on a journey, while at the same time pushing you to wonder about their deeper meanings.

Editor's Choice: 'Λευτεριά' and 'Υπαρξιακό'

Among the album's tracks, 'Λευτεριά' stands out. Starting with an acoustic riff at a fast tempo, the track gives off a different feel. In the background, the acoustic guitar carries on throughout. Naturally, changes aren't missing either, since before the end, the rhythm and tempo shift completely and the track takes on a different aesthetic.

‘The tyranny of the mind is a burden

Just leave the thought alone for once

Let it walk with sandals in the rain.’

And since we couldn't manage to pick out just one track, the second suggestion of Fuzzy Hound will be the track ‘Υπαρξιακό’. Its sound has distorted guitars as well as acoustic ones, while its rhythm is quite intense. All of this, with lyrics talking about all those things that make us think about our existence and our mortality.

‘There are passions that seethe

There are mistakes of mine that stagnate

There are friends who denied me

There are ideas that were defeated’

Closing thoughts

Ηλίας's second work presents music with a lot of character. One of the strongest and most powerful cards the album holds is its simplicity. This makes the lyrics stand out clearly before our eyes and stick in our minds. In no way does Ηλίας Σκούρας simply present an album with political references. His music definitely aims to make you think, but on the whole the melody makes the listening experience a 'happier' one. Looking forward to Ηλίας's next works, I would certainly like to see this dynamic that comes out of his music also come alive on stage. The one thing that's certain is that Ηλίας is aiming for a rather sophisticated and refined musical audience.