Synth Driven Post-Punk Project Larsovitch Breaks Free From Control in the Video for “Skasé”

Larsovitch emerges as the latest torchbearer of an audaciously inventive sound, weaving together the stark austerity of Greek minimal synth with the brooding, introspective depth of Russian-speaking post-punk. This enigmatic act is on a mission to set the dance floors ablaze, not with mere beats, but with a revival of the hedonistic zeal of bygone eras. Their sound merges the warmth of guitar strings with the electronic buzz of silicon circuits, set against dance-floor rhythms, punk energy, and new-wave vibes.

This can be seen in how Larsovitch gleefully channels the haunting cold wave influence of She Past Away and Lebanon Hanover and juxtaposes them against the impactful sounds of Kino, Siekiera, Sudno, and Molchat Doma. This synthesis not only showcases Larsovitch’s ability to navigate through a vast spectrum of soundscapes but also highlights their commitment to creating a universal rhythm that breaks down linguistic barriers and unites audiences in a collective dance experience. Their music becomes a melting pot of cultural influences, each track a mosaic of global sounds inviting listeners to embark on an auditory experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

“Singing in French is difficult, writing in French even more so,” Larsovitch quips. “But it’s feasible, even if the French inspirations such as Rendez-vous, Agar Agar, and Kas Product, all sung in Uncle Sam’s language. Regarding the lyrics, their content is more often than not political. The themes are varied, but the struggle against fascism, capitalism, techno-decadence, and police violence holds a prominent place. That being said, a poetic approach is preferred over analytical demonstration, to dance to the timeless Marxist morality without receiving a lesson in conduct.”

The music video for “Skasé,” which translates to “shut up” in Greek, cleverly satirizes the concept of voluntary servitude using a metaphor that gradually reveals itself to the audience. The video employs a series of visual and symbolic cues, subtly inviting viewers to piece together the underlying message. This approach encourages active viewer engagement, leading to a deeper exploration of the themes presented. By avoiding direct exposition, the video prompts its audience to reflect on the societal implications and their own interpretations, turning the viewing experience into a thought-provoking analysis of human behaviour and social structures. In order to break free from control, Larsovitch chooses both escape and friendship.

Under the direction of filmmaker Eleni Fil, and with the participation of Giakov Giurovski from the Gématos Arachnes group, the entire video was filmed in Athens in October 2023, in the neighborhoods of Psyri, Pagrati, Exarchia, Thyseio, and the Lycabettus Hill.

Watch the video for “Skasé” below:

“Skasé” is the first single from the upcoming EP, ΣΥΝΘ Cassette 02/2024, set to be released in February 2024 by Conicle Records & Ascèse Records. The music, intricately crafted through the recording, mixing, and production expertise of Larsovitch and Yuls at Theoctopus Studio, achieves its final polish with Alex Cappa’s mastering at Metropol Studio in Madrid.

Order the EP here

Larsovitch came into existence in 2020 at the artistic workshop Friche Mimi. The premise is quite simple – to compose dark yet highly danceable music using old machines rather than relying on a computer. A chance encounter during a residency outing with sound engineer Jules Potier elevatesd the project, both technically and artistically. Larsovitch then established a lasting presence at the Friche by opening “TheOctopus,” a recording and music creation studio. There, he benefited from the sharing of the expertise of several people also involved in the workshop: Asphalte & G. for stage coaching, Aléthéia Audiovisuel for video productions, Camille Fanti from Label Folie, as well as Dany Lapointe from Printival who provided valuable advice on development.

Larsovitch also has major planned in Athens in 2024.

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