Greek chanteuse Semeli Tagara has long been a master of weaving sonic tapestries that transport listeners to uncharted territories, and her latest album “Insane Sane” is no exception. This 10-track opus, released via Fine! Records, is a dizzying fusion of experimental soundscapes, ethereal vocals, and rhythmic wizardry that defies categorization. Fans of Morphine, Portishead, Yasuaki Shimizu, Melanie di Biassio, and Kate Bush will find themselves in familiar, yet thrillingly unfamiliar, terrain.
From the opening bars of “Future Idea”, it’s clear that Tagara is operating on a higher plane of creativity, conjuring an atmosphere that’s both futuristic and timeless. The album’s titular polarity is perfectly encapsulated in the contrasting styles of “Absolute Grace” and “Something 2”, where the hedonistic disco pulse of the former gives way to the stark, emotional gut-punch of the latter. Tagara’s voice is a chameleon-like instrument, capable of conveying both languid ecstasy and raw vulnerability.
Tagara’s musical journey, which began at the tender age of six, has seen her share stages with a diverse array of artists, from Calexico to David Lynch. Her avant-garde projects, such as “Transformation of Silence” and “Lmn Drmpts”, have captivated audiences across Greece, and her work in performance art and film has further demonstrated her boundless talent. And yet, with “Insane Sane”, she may have created her most cohesive, experimental, and emotionally resonant work to date.
Throughout the album, Tagara’s compositions unfold like a waking dream, with Eastern-tinged melodies and pulsing electronica conjuring an otherworldly soundscape. But it’s the singer’s voice, with its whispered intimacy and soaring drama, that truly anchors the record. Whether she’s exhorting us to “dance ourselves off the ground” or laying bare her very soul in “Something 2”, Tagara’s presence is mesmerizing, drawing the listener into her kaleidoscopic world.
In short, “Insane Sane” is a boundary-pushing masterpiece that cements Semeli Tagara’s status as a visionary artist. It’s a record that will reward repeated listens, with new textures and moods revealing themselves with each spin. So immerse yourself in its sonic splendor, and let Tagara’s genius guide you through the labyrinthine corridors of her remarkable imagination.
