London-based Greek indie-pop experimentalist Leon Of Athens has revealed live footage of ‘Xenos’, performed at SNFCC. The song is the title track from his forthcoming album, produced by David Kosten (Bat For Lashes, Everything Everything), due out on February 9th
The performance opens with dark, pulsating synth parts before building with celestial choral voices in an epic arrangement into a glorious climax, with Leon’s awesome stage presence and intriguing lyrics creating a mesmerising display.
The album Xenos is a beautiful, thoughtful piece of work, informed by the Syrian refugee crisis, the rise of fascist groups in Europe and Brexit, but also personal upheavals: fractured relationships, lost faith, youth, freedom and death.
From the uplifting indie-pop of previous singles ‘Aeroplane’ and ‘Fire Inside You’, to the dark creeping electronics of the title track and ‘Serpents Egg’, Leon Of Athens proves himself an intriguing and exciting force. There are delicate moments on the stark piano led ballads of ‘Letters To My Father’ and ‘Final Moment’, while the album closes with the joyous ode to his favourite place in the world ‘Corfu’.
The album follows the highly acclaimed release of his 2015 debut album Global, which was championed by the likes of The Guardian, NME, Q, New York Times and more.
Leon has been inspired by life within a country that has been facing many challenges during recent years. His music has become a huge draw in his home country where he has played to audiences of thousands.
He recently completed a sold out UK and European tour, which included a headline show at The Lexington, London. He will play live once again in the capital on November 17th at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen. Tickets are available now through Ticket Web.
PRAISE FOR LEON OF ATHENS
- “Brainy pop inspired by Bernardo Bertolucci, inflected with electronic, folk and other flavours” – The Guardian
- “Leon of Athens has mastered the art of electronica-tickled, horn-smattered, melodic pop.”– NME
- “The Greek god of indie-pop” – Wonderland