Exploring the nostalgic world of Greek sonic explorer V.A.T, we noticed a great array of vintage digital synths in his studio. The sort of machinery everyone would be using in the late 80s and early 90s… and well into the ‘2000s. Truthfully, such instruments never went away; their sound just morphed into more modern formulas and futuristic genres. Yet, V.A.T is not ready to give that up yet, delving into his love for music production and unveiling an album that’s fully planted into tradition and nostalgia, yet one that’s rewarding and hypnotic.
To be fair, ‘Press Play’ is less nostalgic than what one would expect. Not indulging in lo-fi and trendy 80s textures, the record grounds itself in the nuanced and careful sound design driven by V.A.T. Part dance, part synth-pop, ‘Press Play’ is not afraid to jump into eclectic territories; be it italodisco, early trance or emotive house. It carries a great deal of escapism, offering a stream of aural goodness one could get lost in. The stunning and cathartic vocals of Eljona Sinjar help widen the sonic picture.
Quoting the likes of Vangelis and Jean Michael Jarre as some of his influences, V.A.T is adamant about his synth-oriented ethos, and perhaps that’s what he enjoys the most, simply focusing on sculpting the best sound design formula he can. Speaking about the production process, he explains: “The tracks were made in my studio and for the final touch, I trusted them to Antonis Keramidas at X Classic Studio. An old friend and a great sound engineer!”
Recommended! Discover ‘Press Play’ on Spotify:
