Naxatras – ‘III’: The definition of atmospheric Stoner Rock

The band from Thessaloniki presented the album ‘III’, cementing the band's place at the heart of atmospheric Stoner Rock music.

A search that began in the summer

My first contact with a live performance of Naxatras was earlier this year, in the summer, when they held their show at Technopolis. That's where I got the chance to acclimatize to their music. What won me over was their performance. Very few bands can boast about the quality of their live performances. Mind you! I don't just mean their ability to get the crowd going, but the quality of the sound. Naxatras are one of those bands. The sound at the show was almost on par with the studio sound!

Knowing the band's obsession with sound though, I can't say the above came as a surprise. The quality stems, in part, from the technique the band follows to record. Specifically, the mixing and mastering technique is described as fully analogue. It's not a given that everyone would hear the difference. Especially at a live show, where there are so many factors at play. What matters though is that the band gives off the sense that it deeply respects its work and its audience, going the extra mile to offer high quality records. It's not a needless luxury though, but an effort to let us enjoy their music with some extra quality.

A band with principles

The music of Naxatras has always been special. In the beginning they wore a cloak closer to stoner. But they showed in every way, on every album of theirs, that they're different. Their music has principles, a distinct sound and plenty of dynamics. It's unfair to label it lightly as stoner music. Maybe the first albums were closer to that. ‘III’ though has plenty of differences. Now the band shows that it's leaning towards even more atmospheric and psychedelic paths.

On the music

Focusing even more on the music, Naxatras stray even further from the textbook definition of the Desert Stoner sound. ‘III’ is an excellent, atmospheric and, to a large extent, instrumental album. Its rhythm ventures into jazz and progressive paths, while in no way is it in a 'rush' to reach its destination, adopting slow tempos and long track lengths. There are gripping riffs that will get you moving. A big role in this is played by the ever-moving drum sections of Kosta (Κώστας Χαριζάνης – Drums). If you listen closely you'll be able to make out their constant shifts, which underpin the rhythm. The drums on the tracks are intricate and downright gorgeous.

There's a lot of work put in by Giannis (Γιάννης Βαγενάς – Bass, Vocals) on the tracks. The bass fills out the sound incredibly, keeping up a velvety carpet of rhythm. In no way, though, is it an instrument that stays in the background. The bass even takes on riffs that go toe-to-toe with the guitar's. Finally, Giannis (Γιάννης Κωσταντέλιας – Guitar), mostly uses clean tones. There are of course spots where both the bass and guitars get pretty distorted. But the clarity of the tones brings out the beauty of each track's rhythmic patterns.

Naturally, the stranger sounds aren't missing either, like the ones reminiscent of a theremin, in the song 'Machine'. What's more, Naxatras are now bringing electronic music into their sound quite a bit. This was made clear both live and on 'III’.

On the subject matter

The lyrics on the tracks of 'III’ are very few. This happens mainly because the band focuses heavily on the music. And that's kind of how we have to judge the album's themes. Based on feelings and colours. The truth is, the tracks have a huge variety of sounds and plenty of room for interpretation.

Editor's Choice: ‘On The Silver Line’

This particular track is an excellent showcase of the band's capabilities. Rhythmically it's faster than the rest, and that repeating riff really sticks with you! But what really stands out is its central theme. Full of delay, it hovers in the air and keeps on ringing. Enjoy it!

In conclusion

The Naxatras with ‘IIIthey once and for all shake off the label of a stoner band. Besides, it would be unfair and far too limiting to slap them with that particular genre tag. They prove they're much more than that, offering the next step beyond Stoner. They possess elements and sounds that would be hard for most bands to handle. Yet, they deliver them to us in a much more accessible form.

Their songs also have classical roots, evident in their restrained yet powerful solos (like in ‘White Morning’). The most important thing of all is that the band never compromised. In their records we see exactly what's on their minds. They offer us a window into their thoughts. And for that alone, beyond the wonderful musical result, we thank them. As they keep adding new elements to their music, they get us even more excited for their upcoming work. Cudos Naxatras!