· UNIVERSAL HIPPIES - EVOLUTION OF KARMA (GYR166) ·
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::T R A C K S::
01. EVOLUTION
FORMAT: Audio CD / 4 PANEL WALLET
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Phenomenal second studio disc by this outstanding instrumental heavy guitar rock band from Greece featuring the brilliant, prolific, axe-master skills and musical vision of Stavros Papadopoulos. Includes 10 tracks of mega-awesome, dynamic, blues-based, sonic guitar rock music that defies gravity and lands with world-class excellence. Picking up where the remarkable first disc left off, the Universal Hippies have produced an amazing instrumental heavy guitar rock musical document of epic proportions with the "Evolution Of Karma" disc.
Stavros Papadopoulos is a true, legit Greek guitar rock god. A solid man of rock on a mission to Keep the Rock alive who has honed and crafted his finest musical effort to date on the Universal Hippies: "Evolution of Karma" disc. The man is an excellent, string bending, six string animal riff:master, a veritable musical force of nature who shines like the sun on this amazing disc along with his other killer bands including Super Vintage, Hard Driver & Freerock Saints. All worth checking out if you heavily dig serious, bad-ass, killer, blues-based heavy guitar rock music. On "Evolution Of Karma", Stavros has spread his musical wings with a vast amount of depth and maturity. There is an ancient musical wisdom within every track. The listener will feel like they have travelled to Jupiter and the stars above and have flown over the ancient ruins of Greece and beyond after listening to this stellar, cosmic, mind-altering, instrumental power trio musical experience.
Universal Hippies feature the excellent kick-ass musical skills of Chris Lagios on Drums & Jim Petridis on Bass, both outstanding players who lock in and nail down massive grooves that rock solid to the core and together with Stavros Papadopoulos have created an amazing original musical style and vibe that defines true instrumental power trio excellence. The Universal Hippies: "Evolution Of Karma" disc was recorded, mixed and mastered to sonic perfection at Freerock Studios, Stone Groove & Mojo:Tone Mastering in Kavala City, Greece. Complete with an awesome beautifully artistic cover, layout & design by Nyxian:Drift. Grooveyard Records is proud to announce the release of this outstanding Total Guitar Rock disc that is Highly recommended to fans of David Gilmour, Wishbone Ash, Plankton and all other excellent blues-based, retro heavy guitar rockers on the third stone from the sun. Anyone who heavily digs and collects serious guitar rock music needs to tune in and add this amazing disc to their music collection. An incredible, timeless six string musical journey through space & time that defines brilliant original heavy guitar rock music artistry with endless scope, depth and vision.
Reach deep within and ask yourself what is the true meaning of our existence. Regardless of color or race, we are all human beings, evolving and moving forward. Travelling different paths through time and space, a profound progression of motion on a complex journey of life. All organic & musical matter follows a course unique to itself. We are partly defined by this linear, plodding trajectory toward the unknown, toward what we imagine we do not possess. But the unknown also lies within us and, in this way, perhaps we only arrive at a place which we did not know exists, unfolding outward forever. In Karma lies an invitation to Evolve.
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01. EVOLUTION |
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UNIVERSAL HIPPIES - "Metamorphosis"
· reviews ·
Universal Hippies – Mother Nature Blues/Evolution of Karma
This is rock all right, but perhaps not as you best know it. It took me a little while to get my head around the music on these two discs, released a year apart or so. This is not the typical verse, verse, chorus etc. as we are used to from rock ensembles. This really is something else. There are no vocals here, the music on these two albums is all instrumental. And while the musical form we know as rock is bent and stretched in the most imaginative way I don’t think anyone would associate Universal Hippies with prog. It is no straightforward thing to locate them within the diverse trends and genres that make up the musical landscape of rock.
The music of Universal Hippies is perhaps best described as soundscapes. There are no ordinary songs but musical meditations and explorations across the rugged steppes and ridges of rock. The music of Universal Hippies has nothing in common with German Electronica but listening to their music I could not help but reflect on the compositions of the great Klaus Schulze, the most innovative musician of electronica of his (and any) generation. Schulze’s music has nothing to do with rock, is actually a far cry from it. His soundscapes, magically created by his stacks of keyboards and computers, weave dreams that float around the cosmos, between and within galaxies, around exotic planets and other worlds in faraway corners, somewhere in an expanding universe.
The soundscapes created by Universal Hippies are very different, very earthy, dark and made (literally) of rock, granite, flint and mud stone. If you thought the rock guitar could only be used to play normal good-time hard, heavy and metallic music to the taste of headbangers, you will come to think differently when listening to this band. Stavros Papadopoulos is best known for his blistering guitar work with Super Vintage, Freerock Saints and, most recently, the smashingly great Revolution Highway (if you haven’t heard them then check them out – Revolution Highway is one of the albums you must listen to before you die), but here, with Universal Hippies, we see and hear another side of him and are treated to new and different dimensions of the rock guitar and rock music; there is no flash, no demonic speed, menacing stringbending or thrashing of arpeggios. The compositions on the Universal Hippies albums, all written by Stavros himself, are pure rock, rhythmic, raw and have everything we look for in great rock music. But then, there is so much more to this music; it is deep, thoughtful, original and (dare I say it?), intellectual. These are rock compositions – not rock songs. And as Stavros wanders around and explores the broad musical genre that is rock he also explores his guitar, the sounds it can create, the feel and emotions it can stir up and opens up new vistas we didn’t know where there – because we really think we have heard it all. But this isn’t all Stavros. To deliver something like this takes talent. And Universal Hippies are just that. Stavros’s long-time companion from Super Vintage, Freerock Saints and Revolution Highway, Chris Lagios, does the drums. Do people really consider great drumming since the days of Keith Moon and John Bonham? They should. Stavros’s compositions on Universal Hippies are out of the ordinary, there is nothing average about them and it really does take a super-talented rhythm section to deliver the experience that this music is. Not many drummers would rise to that challenge but Chris does, it is nothing short of amazing how he swirls between moods, styles and rhythms as the music shifts and bends. And on that point: for drummers the music on the Universal Hippies albums is a masterclass in battering the toms. Jim Petridis handles the bass and much the same is to be said about him, he plays on the front line with Stavros and Chris, innovative and creative as the great masters that brought the bass guitar to the front, Jack Bruce, Leo Lyons, Stanley Clarke.
The Universal Hippies albums are unusual. They are about rock music for sure, but new ground is broken here. For the open-minded and adventurous there is nothing formulaic about rock music. It has its dimensions, many of them unexplored and mysterious. Thanks to this incredibly great band, and musicians with a vision and new ideas, we are now fortunate enough to get a glimpse into a world that has been hidden until now. The world that exists on the other side.
Thor Indridason / Guitar Rock Appreciation Society (United Kingdom) (February 2019)
Imagine if you throw a portion of well cooked vintage Wishbone Ash into a blender and then sprinkle a bit of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on top. You then sift the brew to get rid of all unnecessary shredding. Throw the shredding away and keep all that good tasty stuff. Pour it into a mold and make a nice CD of it. Voila! You’ve got the "Evolution of Karma"! This is the second CD by Greek instrumental rockers Universal Hippies and even though I really enjoyed their debut, “Mother Nature Blues”, this one takes it a step further in terms of tasteful melodies and great song material. There’s not a weak moment on this album and it has a great flow. This is definitely an album album, an album you listen to from beginning to end. The flow from one song to another is just sublime and Stavros Papadopoulos’ guitar playing is nothing short of phenomenal. His feel and tone are just awesome. Not forgetting the highly tasteful rhythm section featuring bass player Jim Petridis and drummer Chris Lagios, who really lay down the perfect grooves for the brew. The mix, also by Stavros, is crisp and clear with a lot of nice ambience. Very analogue and very live sounding. This is an outstanding album, indeed and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s into the melodic instrumental side of Wishbone Ash or Satch, when he slows it down and gets his melodic mojo working.
Janne Stark / Stark Music Reviews (July 2018)
The highly anticipated sophomore effort, 'Evolution Of Karma' from Universal Hippies proves that the first time around was no fluke. The atmosphere and vibe on this is really special. Comprised of, guitarist Stavros Papadopoulos, bassist Jim Petridis and drummer Chris Lagios, the trio deliver a ambient/new age fine, although many of these compositions could easily be featured on a soundtrack. There is also a distinct eastern/oriental feel in most of these songs. The music starts with a quiet intensity, and slowly escalates into dramatic, lifting crescendos. Papadopoulos' intense driven guitar splashes all over the muted synthetic backdrop, painting the sweetest of sounds to be coaxed from the instrument. Every song offers something different. The guitar playing and tone are astonishing, the sound quality is great, and there's not a weak song on the whole album. Highlights include, "Evolution", "Wings Of Pegasus", "Metamorphosis", and "Outskirts Of Infinity". Beautifully structured solos, and clean tone guitar playing. ' Evolution Of Karma' is heavy on melody, and so satisfying in the depths it reaches within it. This is free of ego boosting trickery and concentrates on composition and content. Just sit back, relax, and listen to the Universal Hippies' magic.
Tony Sison / Dedicated Rocker Society (April 2018)
Imagine if Jimi Hendrix wrote a musical score for a film about the best guitar-based rock bands of the 60s and 70s: Mountain, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, and so on. That’s what the new Universal Hippies CD sounds like. It is an elegant, instrumental offering to the guitar gods of yore. But it sounds anything but dated. Due to the genius of guitarist extraordinaire Stravos Papadopoulos, ‘Evolution of Karma’ offers a fresh and contemporary interpretation of heavy guitar rock like never before. It boasts moments of acoustic sophistication and tenderness, as well as the more expected raunchy moods of rock virtuosos. The rhythm section of Jim Petridis on bass and Chris Lagios on drums is nothing short of miraculous — they manage to not only keep up with but also highlight the six-string excellence that Papadopaulas himself brings to the table. No mean feat! Overall, the CD is a series of carefully and meticulously arranged, original instrumental rock compositions that feel spontaneous and inspired, allowing Papadopoulos to do what he does best —rip loose and unveil what heavy guitar playing is really all about. An absolute must listen for fans of heavy guitar music.
Steven J. Rosen / Author + Journalist (April 2018)
Second work of the Greek band formed by Stavros Papadpoulos (guitars), Chirs Lagios(bass) and Jim Petridis (bass),
Ten songs written and produced by the six-string wizard Stavros Papadpoulos and Stone Groove Company. Guitars recorded at FreeRock studio and bass and drums in Stone Groove Recording Studio.
An epic journey to the Olympus of the Gods, from the shores of the Mediterranean through beautiful sounds not without force. Lyric and harmony are conjugated with powerful and sweet riffs under a garden of Eden with palatial elements.
"Evolution" is a subtle combination of fine guitar chords with a base with stoner elements. A gentle theme with progressive symphonic moments.
More forceful is "Wings of Pegasus". A rhythmic cut with oriental elements that color the solidity of their drums and bass, through the guitar solos. A tonic that is present in a large part of the themes.
Heirs of bands like Wishbone Ash, UNIVERSAL HIPPIES takes a 70s air in "Journey Of The Impossible Hero. Pleasant and comforting melodies without renouncing its stoner-psych essence.
Yes at some point the Greeks are influenced by Pink Floyd, their deepest echoes come from the tandem Andy Powel - Ted Turner, as shown in "Ophelia's Dream" in which the placidity and sweetness envelop the environment.
The Mediterranean climax of "Metamorphosis" places us in the space from which the band was born. The acoustic chords that emanate from the guitar make us face a sublime cut.
On that road to meet the gods, "Road To Olympus" is pure velvet. A rhythmic cadence that goes upward, rising gently until it meets the Karma to descend like a feather that sways gently in a fragile fall after achieving the reward of having reached the divinity.
The calibrated compositional exercise surprises us within "Spiral waves". The instruments are incorporated individually. Drums, bass, guitar, more guitar, creating a romantic atmosphere that could well evoke solitude in a sunset with the "mare nostrum" in the background.
At this point, there is no doubt that we are facing a guitar master. Stavros carries the weight of all the subjects, with some traveling companions who, in the background, manage not to lower the level.
"EVOLUTION OF KARMA" is a colorful, fresh album, in which melancholy is not lacking, but neither is solidity. "Harmonic Alchemy" is proof of that.
One of the most compelling moments of the album is "Outskirts Of Infinity". A gentle psycho-progressive intro, with guitar chords, increases the temperature until reaching moments of stoner-retro.
The cut that closes the disc, could well be the summary of the entire album. The developments of the guitar in the purest Wishbone Ash vein, combined with elements stoner and psychedelia make "Karma" a perfect summary to that trip to Olympus for which these Greeks have transported us.
"EVOLUTION OF KARMA" sounds impeccable in all its elements, an instrumentation with a millimetric performance, full of feelings, lyric, epic, harmony, depth and maturity. Adjectives are missing to describe this marvel. If their first album already surprised us by its quality, here they do not lower the bar. An album for lovers of guitar sounds at its best. There are no voices, but UNIVERSAL HIPPIES do not need them.
A work that can not miss in the collection in the devotees of the sounds of the six strings.
Denpa Fuzz (April 2018)
Recent times have seen Greek guitarist Stavros Papadopoulos becoming ever more prolific. Evolution Of Karma is the second album from his instrumental trio Universal Hippies in under a year, but during that time he’s also been releasing great music with Freerock Saints, Super Vintage and Hard Driver. It would appear that Stavros is only happy with a guitar in his hands and a musical idea in his head. Combine the two and you can be assured of a fret explosion. Always based in the blues, each of those four bands offer something different. In the case of Universal Hippies and their second album, Evolution Of Karma (an expression Stavros uses to describe the journey we all take through life) there’s a more meandering muse. Alongside bassist Jim Petridis and drummer Chris Lagios, there’s no doubt that Universal Hippies know how to drive a piece of music on and yet much of this second outing from the band is much more pensive, much more considered and much more restrained. This is not good time rock being hammered out in the way Stavros does with Freerock Saints. This is music looking to dig deeper on an emotional level and engage in a way that needs time to sink in and time to reveal its inner beauty.
“Journey Of The Impossible Hero” is a prime example of the manner in which a groove is laid down, but we’re talking a deep groove. One driven from a sense of melody and atmosphere, rather than a thundering slice of rock n’ roll. It’s a theme utilised throughout, the instrumental interplay of “Karma” and the patient determination of “Outskirts Of Infinity”, relying on thought rather than fancy tricks. The latter also proves the value of a drummer who is not only capable but willing to keep things contained and controlled. Lagios doing a fine job of pinning the whole shebang down.
That said, Universal Hippies won’t be for everyone. By their very nature instrumental albums immediately have more walls to break down than their vocal counterparts and at first glance the slow, steady and reserved approach taken here can seem a little uneventful. Time is the key and something that pays off with a deeper understanding of what is being attempted. In fact I’d suggest possibly starting mid-album with the harmonies and energy of “Wings Of Pegasus” as a more obvious ‘in’ on Evolution Of Karma, its energy opening up to understanding more readily than most of the other tracks in evidence. This album is no quick fix, but once you get under the skin of Evolution of Karma, it won’t let you go.
Steven Reid / Sea Of Tranquility (May 2018)
If you like dynamic guitar playing, along mesmerizing melodies and riffing, that gives each and every instrument enough room to spread in your headphone or audio system, you cannot ignore this band. This record is an entire piece of great musicianship, spiced with a clear and reduced, almost a Rick Rubin like, production. Enjoy the different colours of different guitars, enjoy the harmonic ups and downs in major and minor scales, imagine yourself in landscapes and campfires and start your everlasting trip with this fantastic 10/10 record. A Snowy White playing Peter Green's "Slabo Day" is a strong reference to this excellent Greek Band. This record has a consistent Ace of Spades musical direction and is full-packed with well produced killer songs.
Martin Petra Ripsam / HeavyStoned (January 2019)
Wow, this is a truly fantastic album from this Greek band. Instrumental tracks here, no vocals to gum up the works. The musicianship is really near perfection. These guys can definitely play. Stavros Papadopoulos is an absolute monster on guitar. I had not heard him before purchasing this disc but saw that this recording was on Grooveyard Records and they have a great reputation when it comes to guitar-centric music. Favorite tracks are hard to pick here due to the overall quality of the music. But "Metamorphosis" is a very compelling cut in that it has some lovely acoustic guitar interspersed between the heavy electric guitar runs. Very nice! The majority of the music here is heavy rock and what glorious heavy rock it is. Jim Petridis (bass) and Chris Lagios (drums) are super on their respective instruments. Truly a team effort. I ignored the somewhat cheesy name of this band and bought it. I will buy everything that these guys put out. It's so good to get new blood in the pipeline. This band cooks! If hard rock guitar is your thing this band will not disappoint, I promise.
Dante / Amazon Review (January 2020)
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