Greek artist Semeli Tagara continues to push the boundaries of experimental music with the release of her latest record, InsaneSane, out now via Fine! Records. This highly anticipated project marks a significant evolution in her already distinctive musical journey, offering listeners a captivating exploration of atmospheric soundscapes, intricate rhythms, and her signature ethereal vocals.
Following the success of her summer EP, Horizon, and the recent singles “The One” and “1,2,3,” InsaneSane is a bold step forward for Tagara. The album’s sonic landscape is rich with diverse instrumental elements, seamlessly blended into a haunting, immersive environment. The opening track, “Future Idea,” sets the tone, drawing listeners into the album's exploration of the fine line between insanity and sanity.
Tracks like “Absolute Grace” and “Something 2” stand out as perfect examples of the album’s dynamic range. In “Absolute Grace,” Tagara delivers an infectious disco groove, encouraging the listener to “dance yourself off the ground,” while “Something 2” takes a more somber, emotionally raw turn, with Tagara boldly declaring, “I needed you - not scared to say… I want it all.” The juxtaposition of light and dark, joy and sorrow, is central to the album's theme, presenting a sonic journey that challenges both the mind and the heart.
Fans of avant-garde and experimental music will find much to admire in, InsaneSane, which draws comparisons to artists like Morphine, Portishead, Yasuaki Shimizu, Melanie di Biassio, and Kate Bush. The album demonstrates Tagara's masterful approach to blending complex rhythms, soulful melodies, and unconventional sound design into a cohesive narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is mesmerizing.
Semeli Tagara’s musical roots go back to her early years in Thessaloniki, where she composed her first original piece at just six years old. Since then, her career has been marked by notable milestones, including signing with Sony Music in 2002 and sharing stages with iconic artists such as Calexico, Dot Allison, David Lynch, and Red Snapper. Her avant-garde projects, including Transformation of Silence and Lmn Drmpts, have captivated audiences across Greece and at international festivals, such as the Bosh Festival in Skopje. Additionally, her work in performance art and film—composing for short films and collaborating with the die Wolke art group on Cascade—further showcases her multifaceted artistic vision.
As, InsaneSane, proves, Semeli Tagara is an artist unafraid to venture into uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of music, performance, and art to new heights. This album is a must-listen for anyone drawn to experimental, boundary-pushing soundscapes that blend emotion, rhythm, and raw power.