I used to pride myself on being well-informed on the Greek rock scene, as well as prog rock in general. But last year, while researching international sites for articles on Greek proggers Purple Overdose whose leader had recently passed away, I came across mentions of a Greek prog band I had never heard of, called Axis. Now who were these guys, and how come I had never heard of them? Apparently they were based in Paris France, and the 3 albums they made between 1971-1973 were never released in Greece. Dimitris Katakouzinos (acoustic guitar, bass, vocals) and Demis Visvikis (keyboards, vocals, weird afro hairdo) had accompanied Greek easy listening superstar Demis Roussos to France as members of his backing band. They were joined there by two other Greek expats, drummer George Chatziathanassiou and guitarist Alecos Caracandas, and together formed the band Axis. Their first 2 albums are almost identical and released with various titles (Axis, Someone, and Ela Ela/Osanna) and covers. Confusing as it may seem, this is apparently a Dutch edition of their second album, which is actually their first (a.k.a. Ela Ela/Osanna) with two or three changes. It's titled Axis, but the songlist is identical to another Dutch issue under the title Someone, released later that year when the track "Someone" became a local hit. This was a melodic pop song with soft lead vocals and harmonies, and some nice harpsichord - all reminiscent of those more famous Greek expatriates, Aphrodite's Child. "Nothing To Say" is a similarly soft pop psych ballad - its only saving grace for me being a short but fantastic fuzz guitar solo. "Days Can Be Better" is another pop tune with a nice jazz-funk twist. "Osanna" is boring hippie/Christian rock - again the fuzz guitar is the only redeeming feature, but it's buried under the "ecstatic" harmonies. If you can listen to the soundtracks of Hair or Jesus Christ Super Star in their entirety, you may find this interesting. "Ela Ela" was their other hit - I can't be objective about this one, as it's just a cover of a Greek traditional tune I've always known and found somewhat silly. It certainly has a catchy chorus, though, and rhythmic percussive drive, so it's no wonder it got a lot of airplay in certain European countries. The album does get better later on: "Dedicated" is an emotive ballad dominated by imposing organ and electric guitar, while "Shine Lady Shine"'s hard rocking organ and guitar has traces of Santana and Uriah Heep. "Living In" is another heavy prog number with vocals and organ that remind me of Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale". "Long Time Again" is a mellow psychedelic ballad, while the two most challenging tracks are tucked away at the end of the album: "Bad Times Go" is a hard rocker with wild drumming, guitars and heavy organ, while closer "Bad Trip" starts off with 1'30'' of soft psychedelia to explode into an experimental prog tune reminiscent of EL&P. Apparently it is inspired by a classical piece by Rachmaninoff. This heavy prog style suits the band very well, allowing them to stretch out instrumentally. Alas, it is their commercial "flower power" songs that they are still (if at all) remembered for, and those now sound hopelessly outdated. But if you can look past those moments (roughly 1/3rd of the album) you'll discover a bunch of talented musicians who deserve better than their current state of near-oblivion. Axis also made a 3rd LP (also called Axis, and released in 1973) that was more in the Canterbury jazz-prog-rock style and which is highly regarded by progheads. It didn't sell as well as the previous ones and the original is therefore rare, but it has been re-released on both CD and vinyl, and I aim to get a copy for myself. When I do, it'll be presented here, too.
**** for Dedicated, Shine Lady Shine, Long Time Ago, Bad Trip
*** for Someone, Nothing to Say, Days Can Be Better, Living In, Bad Times Gone
** for Osanna (Canta di Osanna), Ela ela
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