The Magic Bus – Σε ΆγνωσταΝερά / Unchartered Territory EP
The Magic Bus – Σε ΆγνωσταΝερά / Unchartered Territory EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 02/02/2024
Running Time: 13:55
Review by Laura Barnes
8/10
Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing “Snake Oil & Lullabies”, an absolutely delightful Dark Country EP from Greek band Redeye Caravan, which I was very impressed with. After this experience, I jumped at the chance to check out vocalist and bassist Valantis Dafkos’ other band, The Magic Bus. Trading in banjos for sick riffs, The Magic Bus play the kind of hook driven, head-nodding Hard Rock music that would go down a treat on Rock and Metal radio stations. “Σε ΆγνωσταΝερά” (translating to “Unchartered Territory”) is The Magic Bus’ second major release, and at just under fifteen minutes long, it provides a perfect sneak peek into the band’s sound.
From the beginning, it is clear that The Magic Bus offer something a bit more complex than meat-and-potatoes Hard Rock. With unusual time signatures and guitar solos that wouldn’t be out of place on an Iron Maiden album, opening track ‘Γιαρέμ Γιαρέμ’ leans towards the Progressive. It’s also one hell of an earworm, guaranteed to linger in your head long after the track has finished – although I can’t help but wish the song was a little longer, with a bigger, bolder climax at the end. Luckily, ‘Βασιλική’ builds upon the Progressive sound first established in ‘Γιαρέμ Γιαρέμ’ but pushes the boundaries further, making it heavier, bigger, bolshier. In other words, if I ever get the chance to see this band live, I know this one will be a crowd pleaser. The next track ‘Το Κάποτε Εγώ’ left me pleasantly surprised as the EP takes a folky detour, and I have to say Dafkos is really in his element here. It’s extremely impressive when the cadence, tone and emotion of someone’s voice can overcome a language barrier, when your heart can understand the song even when your brain doesn’t. The EP finishes with ‘Καράβι Φάντασμα’, a bouncy, albeit unusual, song. This song sounds the way my brain feels after drinking a can of Monster Energy – frantic, erratic, changing direction every 30 seconds. I would also say that this is the most ambitious track on the EP, and as such is absolutely the best way to end it.
All in all, ‘Σε ΆγνωσταΝερά’ is a release that has put The Magic Bus on my radar for sure – if only it was just a little longer! Still, in the age of dying attention span, a 13 minute EP is probably a genius move. If you’re after something catchy but challenging, unique but still radio friendly, then this EP will be well worth it.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Γιαρέμ Γιαρέμ
02. Βασιλική
03. Το Κάποτε Εγώ
04. Καράβι Φάντασμα
LINE-UP:
Valantis Dafkos – Lead and Backing Vocals
Ermis Soultanopoulos – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Dina Argiriou – Bass
Paris Gatsios – Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Laura Barnes and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
