I was quite anxious to finally spin the CVP (Central Venous Project) debut 12″. I was well aware the group featured Greek producer Costas Andriopoulos of 23rd Underpass which piqued my curiosity instantly based how much I enjoyed the 23rd Underpass over the years. This time Costas hooked up with Panos Papapetros (Vocals & Guitars) and Vicky Archontouli (Vocals). Both Vicky and Panos are also members of the group VHS. Although I am not familiar with VHS, I do know Costas chooses to work with quality artists each and every time. I had no doubts this was going to be something I would play on a regular basis.
The moment arrived when a box full of Anna Logue and Nadanna Records releases was spotted on my doorstep, thankfully before any of the miscreant ever persistent porch pirates took notice that may have been patrolling the area looking to score. I opened the box and sifted through the package and went for CVP first. I was immediately impressed with the glossy retro cover artwork soaked in a summery vibe with silhouettes, a girl (perhaps Vicky?) and huge yellow and blue circular hype sticker with the CVP logo and the track names. There’s even a signed postcard with lyrics and a poster inside as well. Even more impressive was the marbled pink wax. The color seemed to grab me by the mandible and instruct me to throw it on the Audio-Technics AT LP120 turntable, powered by a Marantz MR235 paired with the old school tan colored Bose 901’s fit with the original active equalizer. As the system powered up and the needle made its initial gentle carress of the sexy slab of wax, the sounds danced through the perfectly placed 901’s delivering a warm pumping beat using the plaster walls that adorn my home to amplify the sound in such a way that there’s no turning back to other formats. I feel this is truly the best way to experience musical offerings.
Finding that perfect blend of Italo rhythms mixed with modern synthpop seems to come easy for CVP much in the same way Tobias Bernstrup does with one foot in the 1980’s and the other firmly rooted in the modern day. CVP utilize Costas’ top notch programming, design, structure, sonic spells and precision execution to deliver something special that everyone will enjoy. The profound synth wizardry paired with Vicky and Panos harnessing sidereal melodies with addicting choruses draped in tantalizing tones that resonate nothing short of professional quality and range. The tempos and transitions are seamless and work in the best possible way to keep the listener intrigued and content. Both tracks display throbbing basslines energetic beats that mix in some heat for the dance floor as well some dark tones for self-reflection. The end result is a solid vision of what CVP is all about.
CVP fulfill the promise Nadanna Records makes to forever blur the lines of the genres. This ethos seems to work for Nadanna releases. Whether you love Italo-disco, synthpop, electropop, minimal synth or a brilliant amalgamation of all or some of the mentioned genres, you will feel very at home with Nadanna’s catalogue.
CVP has a secret second meaning that can easily be found within the contents of the record packaging. Order it and find out, you will be amazed. Also check out Costas’ solo instrumental works on a double CD available from Nadanna. It’s a great long dive into the alternate worlds of Costas Andriopoulos under the moniker Costas Andrio.
Well done Costas, Panos and Vicky. Please don’t make us wait too long for more.
