The Scantharies – The Scantharies

On paper, The Scantharies is a somewhat eccentric project: Andy Dragazis, an Anglo-Greek songwriter, set out to create a greatest hits compilation for an imaginary '70s Greek garage rock outfit. Despite its convoluted backstory, however, the LP’s earlier tracks have a playful, accessible quality; and Dragazis’ ear for an infectious, treble-heavy riff, particularly on songs like The Start and Feat of Flames, ensures that The Scantharies is of more than merely conceptual interest. 
 
As the LP progresses, the droning organs and slower tempos of Hip Messiah and The Cross evince a purported descent into drug-fuelled acrimony; a progression that lends ballast to Dragazis’ underpinning idea, but also creates a less desirable sense of petering out into blandness and obscurity. The Scantharies, in other words, is a success if measured by its own stated concept; but given the familiarity of the narrative it charts, that very success can make it a wearying listen. [Sam Wiseman]