Larry Gus – Years Not Living

Years Not Living is the second album from Greek musician/producer Panagiotis Melidis, under the name Larry Gus (taken from the Greek word for larynx). An impressive balancing act of dance beats and a chilled, ethereal sound is masterfully sustained throughout. Opening track With All Your Eyes Look toes this line perfectly, setting the tone for what’s to come. Despite the abundance of samples layered into the songs, the album feels fresh and creative from start to finish.

This can be in part explained by Melidis’ bountiful experience in the industry: a seasoned musician with both academic and practical training, he’s spent time crafting soundtracks, evident in the smooth marriage of the diverse instruments and influences present. The Night Patrols (A Man Asleep), is the best example of this – a true standout track with a captivating texture of sound and hypnotising vocals.

Merely Today kicks off with an intoxicating carnival beat that is continued but subverted with a darker twist in following track Pericles. While The Sun Plagues has a chilled opening, it soon evolves into a beat that demands movement, with a summer vibe lending the perfect conclusion. Paths Laid Down is a faultless closer to the record, reflecting the myriad of journeys the album takes and ending with a distinctive, Indian-influenced sound. The tracks are never allowed to become repetitive, with beats switched up when you least expect it. Every song is able to make a strong case for its presence – none are there simply to pad out the album.

The process of the creation of Years Not Living appears to be as richly textured as the work itself. Recorded with the backdrop of the Greek financial crisis, the making of the album was filmed for a documentary entitled My Friend Larry Gus, scheduled for a 2013 release. If the movie is anywhere as fascinatingly complex as the record, it’s not to be missed.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Annie Robinson 

Years Not Living is released on 2^nd September, but you can pre-order the album here.

Watch the video for The Night Patrols here: