Xylouris: Giorgos Xylouris, master musician on Greek lute who was learning the fundamentals of the trade from his uncle and father (both being cult personalities in Greek, more precisely, Cretan folk music), and with the latter, Antonis Xylouris – Psarandonis, played major concerts and recordings as a kid. Xylouris has headed numerous ensembles and appeared
Xylouris: Giorgos Xylouris, master musician on Greek lute who was learning the fundamentals of the trade from his uncle and father (both being cult personalities in Greek, more precisely, Cretan folk music), and with the latter, Antonis Xylouris – Psarandonis, played major concerts and recordings as a kid. Xylouris has headed numerous ensembles and appeared on more than 70 albums.
White: Jim White, drummer, representing one third of the Australian act Dirty Three, well-known and quite rightly honoured in Slovenia, supplements quite fittingly Xylouris’ meandering melodies, deepens them further and expands them with a range of rhythmic loops and riddles. He has cooperated with a number of cult musicians, such as Cat Power, Will Oldham, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave or Bill Callahan.
Xylouris White: an irrepressible duet, a new attraction bringing new music, successful in wriggling out of classifications and branding, and in combining heritage with the present moment. With their exceptional debut Goats (Other Music Recording, 2014) produced by Guy Picciotto of the cult post-punk band Fugazi, the pair has enthralled listeners and critics alike. To give an example, it was their product that was chosen by prestigious radio station NPR (National Public Radio) among the “best global music of 2014”, referring to their sound as “fantastical and otherworldly harmonic textures”.
Xylouris and White met in Australia, where Xylouris spent the 1990s, often sharing the stage with Dirty Three and occasionally joining them in making music. Spontaneous sessions led to the formation of the duo Xylouris White, captivating the audiences with their entirely new approach to “making music” and forming sound, which is particularly noticeable during their euphoric gigs. Very much like in filigree songs by old folk soundmasters or entangled songs by Dirty Three, the tracks of this duo enchant and seduce the listener by being elusive and uncatchable. Just as you think that the song has been grounded quite fittingly and is just about to end, they introduce a new pattern, which often transforms previous meditativeness into a psychedelic sound storm. Or vice versa… like the renowned Pitchfork said: “As the piece rumbles forth, there are many instances where it feels like something huge is about to happen but the song teases and dissipates.”
An exceptional cross-border and genre-transcending treat to tempt fans of post- and alter-rock, as well as traditional music and acoustic neofolk (has anyone mentioned John Fahey?), not to mention the followers of experimental and improvised music!
