Ilias

TheThrillofitAll.net (USA):
“Algerian/Australian composer Ilias is a worthy auteur making the brilliant kind of stuff that most other one-man bands could hardly even dream of (…) If Ilias were a contemporary of his numerous 60's and 70's influences, he could have easily rivalled the greatness of many strummers of the era, such as Harry Nilsson and Jackson Browne.”

The Edit Glasgow Caledonian Uni Blog (Scotland): ****
"The next big name in the music industry with his back to basics recording and original, stylish music. "Somewhere In Time" is a refreshingly mellow and relaxing album that displays the talent that flows through this brilliant musician."

TheLowDowUnder.com (Australia):
“This Australian musician is one to watch for: This is one of the more confident & extremely impressive Australian albums I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s made all the more special by the fact that ILIAS performs all the instruments, & has produced this himself."

IndieShuffle.com (USA):
“Where his strength lies is in his ability to create such beautiful, haunting soundscapes, a by-product of his clearly considerable talent. The world is richer for musicians like this, those who don’t conform to what everyone else is making, those who create music which challenges and makes you think. (Hugh McClure)”

The CD Critic (United Kingdom): **** 4/5
"For something that has been many years in the making, it is incredibly impressive.(...) An incredibly enjoyable listening experience.”

The Jazz Chill Corner (USA):
"Smooth, cool vibes, laid-back, and polished throughout each of the 11 tracks is how one can describe this release. This Australian musician is one to watch for in the coming years."

Triple J Radio (Australia):
"No matter your state of mind, [September Memory] lulls you into a state of hypnotic bliss. Warning - this is not a pump up song. It's the opposite. It's thought provoking, serenading and very chill. (Veronica Milsom)"

4ZZZ Radio (Australia):
"A highly eclectic mixture of instrumental sounds: lonesome country licks from a bottleneck guitar; drum-machine; a dreamy, ambient vocalise and prog-rock complexity. An unusual and compelling sound."

TheAUReview.com (Australia): 8.9/10
"This album could not be mistaken for anything heard before, the melding of vocals, harmonies & numerous instruments make it extremely original (…) The album is 10 years in the making but the end result shows it was definitely worth the time. (Sarah Wykes)"

Mx (News Limited) (Australia): ****
"An impressive eleven song collection of jazz-tinged folk and indie pop tunes that is as original as it is refreshing. (Paul McBride)"

LunaKafe.com (Sweden):
"Composer and multi-instrumentalist Ilias has a cool sound on his debut album. Opener "Never Utter The Word Never" is soft and reminiscent of early Radiohead on a good day. The vocals are impeccably delivered. It's a lovely album all told. (Anna Maria Stjärnell)"

AlanCross.ca (Canada):
"[September Memory] This guy’s a beauty – all instrumental but with such emotional momentum. Sounds like: Movement."

Musoscribe.com (USA):
“With its breathy lead vocal, the jazzy “One of a Kind” might be the best cut on this album, but the entire disc is rewarding. Though it sounds like a tight little ensemble, everything on the disc is played by Ilias himself. Worth seeking out. (Bill Kopp)”

EarthingsBlog.wordpress.com (Philippines):
"Ilias merges Bacharach, Morricone and Wilson (yep, that Wilson) in his debut album. (Niko Ballatones)"

BuffaBlog.com (USA):
"”Somewhere In Time” displays an organic, authentic style of songwriting. Citing as diverse artists as D'Angelo, Brian Wilson, and Burt Bacharach for influences, Ilias has nonetheless developed an ethereal, hypnotic jazz-inflected dream-pop sound that is very much his own. (Ryan Wolf)"

FamousLastWordsRecords.com (Norway):
“Clearly one to not give too much away, Ilias has conjured up an album that is beautiful in its execution, recalling elements of Radiohead, Travis and even more encouragingly the sparseness of a latter-day Talk Talk, remaining equally beguiling in terms of its scant narratives.”

Sydney City News/City Hub (Australia): ****
“Looking at the collection as a whole, the 11 tracks are beautifully crafted. Ilias’ songs manage to interweave into a perfect tapestry, where the undeniable skill of their composer shines through brilliantly. Most valuable track award is between “September Memory” and “This Life”. The alluring rhythmic guitar of both tracks combined with soft, enticing vocals, simply washes over you, filling every aesthetic. There will come a point, Somewhere In Time, tha - (more reviews available on http://ilias.bandcamp.com)

TheThrillofitAll.net (USA):
“Algerian/Australian composer Ilias is a worthy auteur making the brilliant kind of stuff that most other one-man bands could hardly even dream of (…) If Ilias were a contemporary of his numerous 60's and 70's influences, he could have easily rivalled the greatness of many strummers of the era, such as Harry Nilsson and Jackson Browne.”

The Edit Glasgow Caledonian Uni Blog (Scotland): ****
"The next big name in the music industry with his back to basics recording and original, stylish music. "Somewhere In Time" is a refreshingly mellow and relaxing album that displays the talent that flows through this brilliant musician."

TheLowDowUnder.com (Australia):
“This Australian musician is one to watch for: This is one of the more confident & extremely impressive Australian albums I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s made all the more special by the fact that ILIAS performs all the instruments, & has produced this himself."

IndieShuffle.com (USA):
“Where his strength lies is in his ability to create such beautiful, haunting soundscapes, a by-product of his clearly considerable talent. The world is richer for musicians like this, those who don’t conform to what everyone else is making, those who create music which challenges and makes you think. (Hugh McClure)”

The CD Critic (United Kingdom): **** 4/5
"For something that has been many years in the making, it is incredibly impressive.(...) An incredibly enjoyable listening experience.”

The Jazz Chill Corner (USA):
"Smooth, cool vibes, laid-back, and polished throughout each of the 11 tracks is how one can describe this release. This Australian musician is one to watch for in the coming years."

Triple J Radio (Australia):
"No matter your state of mind, [September Memory] lulls you into a state of hypnotic bliss. Warning - this is not a pump up song. It's the opposite. It's thought provoking, serenading and very chill. (Veronica Milsom)"

4ZZZ Radio (Australia):
"A highly eclectic mixture of instrumental sounds: lonesome country licks from a bottleneck guitar; drum-machine; a dreamy, ambient vocalise and prog-rock complexity. An unusual and compelling sound."

TheAUReview.com (Australia): 8.9/10
"This album could not be mistaken for anything heard before, the melding of vocals, harmonies & numerous instruments make it extremely original (…) The album is 10 years in the making but the end result shows it was definitely worth the time. (Sarah Wykes)"

Mx (News Limited) (Australia): ****
"An impressive eleven song collection of jazz-tinged folk and indie pop tunes that is as original as it is refreshing. (Paul McBride)"

LunaKafe.com (Sweden):
"Composer and multi-instrumentalist Ilias has a cool sound on his debut album. Opener "Never Utter The Word Never" is soft and reminiscent of early Radiohead on a good day. The vocals are impeccably delivered. It's a lovely album all told. (Anna Maria Stjärnell)"

AlanCross.ca (Canada):
"[September Memory] This guy’s a beauty – all instrumental but with such emotional momentum. Sounds like: Movement."

Musoscribe.com (USA):
“With its breathy lead vocal, the jazzy “One of a Kind” might be the best cut on this album, but the entire disc is rewarding. Though it sounds like a tight little ensemble, everything on the disc is played by Ilias himself. Worth seeking out. (Bill Kopp)”

EarthingsBlog.wordpress.com (Philippines):
"Ilias merges Bacharach, Morricone and Wilson (yep, that Wilson) in his debut album. (Niko Ballatones)"

BuffaBlog.com (USA):
"”Somewhere In Time” displays an organic, authentic style of songwriting. Citing as diverse artists as D'Angelo, Brian Wilson, and Burt Bacharach for influences, Ilias has nonetheless developed an ethereal, hypnotic jazz-inflected dream-pop sound that is very much his own. (Ryan Wolf)"

FamousLastWordsRecords.com (Norway):
“Clearly one to not give too much away, Ilias has conjured up an album that is beautiful in its execution, recalling elements of Radiohead, Travis and even more encouragingly the sparseness of a latter-day Talk Talk, remaining equally beguiling in terms of its scant narratives.”

Sydney City News/City Hub (Australia): ****
“Looking at the collection as a whole, the 11 tracks are beautifully crafted. Ilias’ songs manage to interweave into a perfect tapestry, where the undeniable skill of their composer shines through brilliantly. Most valuable track award is between “September Memory” and “This Life”. The alluring rhythmic guitar of both tracks combined with soft, enticing vocals, simply washes over you, filling every aesthetic. There will come a point, Somewhere In Time, tha - (more reviews available on http://ilias.bandcamp.com)

"This Australian singer/songwriter/producer/do it all guy caught our attention. It’s a mix of indie, pop, jazz, and all around chill melodies that showcase his ability to play, compose, be completely DIY and still sound great." - HeyJohnny.tumblr.com (USA):

"This Australian singer/songwriter/producer/do it all guy caught our attention. It’s a mix of indie, pop, jazz, and all around chill melodies that showcase his ability to play, compose, be completely DIY and still sound great." - HeyJohnny.tumblr.com (USA):

"The eleven-song release has a very laid-back, jazzy guitar vibe, similar to the influential Dire Straits. Songs like “One Of A Kind” and “Last Words” are smooth sounding pieces of music that go great on a relaxing evening with a great bottle of wine. The instrumental song “September Memory” is where his true talents shine as he makes his guitar playing the main focus without overpowering the song’s feeling. The album closes with the falsetto vocals of “Sometimes I Wonder…” as his guitar lays the backdrop. (Jim Pasinski)" - JPsmusicblog.blogspot.com / Record-Journal (USA):

"The eleven-song release has a very laid-back, jazzy guitar vibe, similar to the influential Dire Straits. Songs like “One Of A Kind” and “Last Words” are smooth sounding pieces of music that go great on a relaxing evening with a great bottle of wine. The instrumental song “September Memory” is where his true talents shine as he makes his guitar playing the main focus without overpowering the song’s feeling. The album closes with the falsetto vocals of “Sometimes I Wonder…” as his guitar lays the backdrop. (Jim Pasinski)" - JPsmusicblog.blogspot.com / Record-Journal (USA):

"Ilias creates complex math rhythms, uses warping effects on both his singing and guitar work and blends this with electronic drum beats; he creates something similar to Industrial Rock- perhaps best exemplified on tracks like ‘Only One’. (...) Just like an overly complex post-modern novel, Somewhere In Time is an album which everyone will read differently. (Ian Fillingham)" - Ianfillingham.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

"Ilias creates complex math rhythms, uses warping effects on both his singing and guitar work and blends this with electronic drum beats; he creates something similar to Industrial Rock- perhaps best exemplified on tracks like ‘Only One’. (...) Just like an overly complex post-modern novel, Somewhere In Time is an album which everyone will read differently. (Ian Fillingham)" - Ianfillingham.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

"As the immaculate gretsch on the album’s cover suggests, ilias is pretty into guitars, and he has the chops to prove it. (...) Each song displays a marked level of artistic maturity, whether ilias is tackling straight-ahead indie rock on “Loving You” or delving into intricate instrumental passages on “September Memory. it’s important to note that ilias did everything himself on somewhere in time. everything. all of the vocal lines are done by him, along with every instrument you hear on the album, and all of the writing and production credit goes to him. while there are countless “self-producing” acts out there these days that do it all themselves, i rarely hear an album with as much finesse as this. (Samuel Clark)" - DimestoreSaints.wordpress.com (USA):

"As the immaculate gretsch on the album’s cover suggests, ilias is pretty into guitars, and he has the chops to prove it. (...) Each song displays a marked level of artistic maturity, whether ilias is tackling straight-ahead indie rock on “Loving You” or delving into intricate instrumental passages on “September Memory. it’s important to note that ilias did everything himself on somewhere in time. everything. all of the vocal lines are done by him, along with every instrument you hear on the album, and all of the writing and production credit goes to him. while there are countless “self-producing” acts out there these days that do it all themselves, i rarely hear an album with as much finesse as this. (Samuel Clark)" - DimestoreSaints.wordpress.com (USA):

"Somewhere in time is a fascinating purified mitzvah of sound, sometimes as melodramatic as the Red House Painters, but really invoking the cool, spare jazz guitar sound of Wes Montgomery. (Robert Firth)"
- MusicalGuru.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

"Somewhere in time is a fascinating purified mitzvah of sound, sometimes as melodramatic as the Red House Painters, but really invoking the cool, spare jazz guitar sound of Wes Montgomery. (Robert Firth)"
- MusicalGuru.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

In such quick transitions Ilias shows his composure and variety from the atmospheric to the fast paced jazz side of his repertoire, ripping up the textbooks all the way from Australia Somewhere In Time is certainly something different to the norm of modern music. (...) The stunning Cathedral like ‘Never Utter the Word Never’ is an ethereal complex song that rolls off the start of the album and shows how Ilias has carefully crafted the album over ten years with pin-point precision in every instrument. (Thomas Johnson) - SoundOfVinyl.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

In such quick transitions Ilias shows his composure and variety from the atmospheric to the fast paced jazz side of his repertoire, ripping up the textbooks all the way from Australia Somewhere In Time is certainly something different to the norm of modern music. (...) The stunning Cathedral like ‘Never Utter the Word Never’ is an ethereal complex song that rolls off the start of the album and shows how Ilias has carefully crafted the album over ten years with pin-point precision in every instrument. (Thomas Johnson) - SoundOfVinyl.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

"Ilias merges Bacharach, Morricone and Wilson (yep, that Wilson) i his debut album. (Niko Ballatones)"
- EarthingsBlog.wordpress.com (Philippines):

"Ilias merges Bacharach, Morricone and Wilson (yep, that Wilson) i his debut album. (Niko Ballatones)"
- EarthingsBlog.wordpress.com (Philippines):

"I think particular homage has to paid to the quality of the guitar playing in this which is absolutely phenomenal. As a guitarist of nine years who stills plays very enthusiastically, I can’t help but have some serious envy at his wonderful balance of wailing guitar fading in and out, delicate little riffs and seductive vibrato. This is why personally September Memory has to be the outstanding sound of the album for it is honestly some of the best guitar I have ever heard. He may not be Joe Satriani or Van Halen but I’m pretty sure he could easily waltz into a room with BB King or Eric Johnson and not feel the slightest bit intimidated. He just seems to understand silence, timbre and all the little details of guitar which make for, dare I say, virtuoso qualities. (Philip Bell) - TheScrawling.blogspot.com (United Kingdom):

"I think particular homage has to paid to the quality of the guitar playing in this which is absolutely phenomenal. As a guitarist of nine years who stills plays very enthusiastically, I can’t help but have some serious envy at his wonderful balance of wailing guitar fading in and out, delicate little riffs and seductive vibrato. This is why personally September Memory has to be the outstanding sound of the album for it is honestly some of the best guitar I have ever heard. He may not be Joe Satriani or Van Halen but I’m pretty sure he could easily waltz into a room with BB King or Eric Johnson and not feel the slightest bit intimidated. He just seems to understand silence, timbre and all the little details of guitar which make for, dare I say, virtuoso qualities. (Philip Bell) - TheScrawling.blogspot.com (United Kingdom):

"For something that has been many years in the making, it is incredibly impressive (...) the music on the album mostly sounds relaxing, which makes for an incredibly enjoyable listening experience. (Gareth Watkin)"
- TheCDcritic.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

"For something that has been many years in the making, it is incredibly impressive (...) the music on the album mostly sounds relaxing, which makes for an incredibly enjoyable listening experience. (Gareth Watkin)"
- TheCDcritic.wordpress.com (United Kingdom):

"[September Memory] This guy’s a beauty – all instrumental but with such emotional momentum.
Sounds like: Movement." - AlanCross.ca (Canada):

"[September Memory] This guy’s a beauty – all instrumental but with such emotional momentum.
Sounds like: Movement." - AlanCross.ca (Canada):

"Smooth, cool vibes, laid-back, and polished thoughout each of the 11 tracks is how one can describe this release. This Australian musician one one to watch for in the coming years."
- http://jazzchill.blogspot.com (USA):

"Smooth, cool vibes, laid-back, and polished thoughout each of the 11 tracks is how one can describe this release. This Australian musician one one to watch for in the coming years."
- http://jazzchill.blogspot.com (USA):

"Lost in a forever twirling daze, Somewhere In Time, brings the smooth warm sounds of music to life. A soft touch right against the ear drum that guides the senses to the sunset. Never Utter The Word Never shares an eerie side of jazz, with some slick falsetto. A song those movie folk would dance and get down to. While the album starts off slow it gradually builds itself up and down, both in tempo and in complexity. Ilias’ musicianship is quite remarkable and you can hear through each song exactly what he wanted to achieve." - AdamNOTEve.net (Australia):

"Lost in a forever twirling daze, Somewhere In Time, brings the smooth warm sounds of music to life. A soft touch right against the ear drum that guides the senses to the sunset. Never Utter The Word Never shares an eerie side of jazz, with some slick falsetto. A song those movie folk would dance and get down to. While the album starts off slow it gradually builds itself up and down, both in tempo and in complexity. Ilias’ musicianship is quite remarkable and you can hear through each song exactly what he wanted to achieve." - AdamNOTEve.net (Australia):

"Mellow moods and chilled complacency are just two of the many times that Ilias’ latest offering would fit perfectly. Looking at the collection as a whole, the 11 tracks are beautifully crafted. Ilias’ songs manage to interweave into a perfect tapestry, where the undeniable skill of their composer shines through brilliantly. Most valuable track award is between September Memory and This Life. The alluring rhythmic guitar of both tracks combined with soft, enticing vocals, simply washes over you, filling every aesthetic. There will come a point, Somewhere In Time, that you will need an album as sublime as this. " - Sydney City News, City Hub, Bondi View, Inner West Independent (Australia):

"Mellow moods and chilled complacency are just two of the many times that Ilias’ latest offering would fit perfectly. Looking at the collection as a whole, the 11 tracks are beautifully crafted. Ilias’ songs manage to interweave into a perfect tapestry, where the undeniable skill of their composer shines through brilliantly. Most valuable track award is between September Memory and This Life. The alluring rhythmic guitar of both tracks combined with soft, enticing vocals, simply washes over you, filling every aesthetic. There will come a point, Somewhere In Time, that you will need an album as sublime as this. " - Sydney City News, City Hub, Bondi View, Inner West Independent (Australia):

"Algerian/Australian composer Ilias is a worthy auteur making the brilliant kind of stuff that most other one-man bands could hardly even dream of. Perhaps the fact that his debut Somewhere in Time took 10 years is to blame for the surety and confidence inherent in the compositions of Ilias (...)The best moments of Somewhere in Time are where Ilias’ broad range of influences, his beautiful aesthetic, and his amazing guitar and vocal talent coalesce together into a singularity, like the masterful guitar jam “September Memory – a track that once again suggests Ilias’ Dire Straits influences, yet also leans towards Radiohead’s IDM-meets-rock approach of Kid A at the beginning with the rapid-fire drum machine mania at the beginning of the song, culminating with some sustain-laden guitar wailing a la Stadium Arcadium-era John Frusciante. (Chris Collins)" - TheThrillofitAll.wordpress.com (USA):

"Algerian/Australian composer Ilias is a worthy auteur making the brilliant kind of stuff that most other one-man bands could hardly even dream of. Perhaps the fact that his debut Somewhere in Time took 10 years is to blame for the surety and confidence inherent in the compositions of Ilias (...)The best moments of Somewhere in Time are where Ilias’ broad range of influences, his beautiful aesthetic, and his amazing guitar and vocal talent coalesce together into a singularity, like the masterful guitar jam “September Memory – a track that once again suggests Ilias’ Dire Straits influences, yet also leans towards Radiohead’s IDM-meets-rock approach of Kid A at the beginning with the rapid-fire drum machine mania at the beginning of the song, culminating with some sustain-laden guitar wailing a la Stadium Arcadium-era John Frusciante. (Chris Collins)" - TheThrillofitAll.wordpress.com (USA):

8.9/10
"This album could not be mistaken for anything heard before, the melding of vocals, harmonies and numerous instruments make it extremely original. (...) “If I See You” highlights Ilias’ incredible musical talent, particularly with the acoustic and electric guitars. (...) Ilias produced and recorded the album himself and is involved in everything in the album – lead and harmony vocals, drums, bass, keyboards, piano and acoustic, electric 6 and 12 string guitars. The album is 10 years in the making but the end result shows it was definitely worth the time. (Sarah Wykes)"
- TheAUReview.com (Australia):

8.9/10
"This album could not be mistaken for anything heard before, the melding of vocals, harmonies and numerous instruments make it extremely original. (...) “If I See You” highlights Ilias’ incredible musical talent, particularly with the acoustic and electric guitars. (...) Ilias produced and recorded the album himself and is involved in everything in the album – lead and harmony vocals, drums, bass, keyboards, piano and acoustic, electric 6 and 12 string guitars. The album is 10 years in the making but the end result shows it was definitely worth the time. (Sarah Wykes)"
- TheAUReview.com (Australia):

"Citing as diverse artists as D'Angelo, Brian Wilson, and Burt Bacharach for influences, Ilias has nonetheless developed an ethereal, hypnotic jazz-inflected dream-pop sound that is very much his own. (Ryan Wolf)" - BuffaBlog.com (USA):

"Citing as diverse artists as D'Angelo, Brian Wilson, and Burt Bacharach for influences, Ilias has nonetheless developed an ethereal, hypnotic jazz-inflected dream-pop sound that is very much his own. (Ryan Wolf)" - BuffaBlog.com (USA):

"The next big name in the music industry with his back to basics recording and original, stylish music.(...) "Somewhere In Time" is a refreshingly mellow and relaxing album that displays the talent that flows through this brilliant musician." - TheEditGCU.wordpress.com (Scotland):

"The next big name in the music industry with his back to basics recording and original, stylish music.(...) "Somewhere In Time" is a refreshingly mellow and relaxing album that displays the talent that flows through this brilliant musician." - TheEditGCU.wordpress.com (Scotland):

"An extremely impressive, confident piece of work. This Australian musician is one to watch for. (...) If you could imagine a soundscape that blends the best of Chris Isaak, echoes of Mark Knopfler and a stripped back intimate guitar driven core complemented by a Thom Yorke style vocal then you’re kinda halfway to the ball park of Ilias’ new album. This is one of the more confident and extremely impressive Australian albums I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s made all the more special by the fact that ILIAS performs all the instruments, vocals and has produced this himself." - TheLowDownunder.com (Australia):

"An extremely impressive, confident piece of work. This Australian musician is one to watch for. (...) If you could imagine a soundscape that blends the best of Chris Isaak, echoes of Mark Knopfler and a stripped back intimate guitar driven core complemented by a Thom Yorke style vocal then you’re kinda halfway to the ball park of Ilias’ new album. This is one of the more confident and extremely impressive Australian albums I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s made all the more special by the fact that ILIAS performs all the instruments, vocals and has produced this himself." - TheLowDownunder.com (Australia):