Villagers of Ioannina City, an experimental psychedelic / rock band from Ioannina City (Greece) released a monster of a record in April 2020.
The album titled Age of Aquarius was originally released by Mantra Records in September 2019. Six months later though, AoA was re-released to the masses by Napalm Records in April 2020.
By the time the re-release hit the streets, the global pandemic was in full swing. Live music events were simply non-existent. The band was unable to tour and support this incredible album.
VIC played a headline show to their fellow Greek countrymen at the Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena in Athens. Fortunately, this magical night from February 15, 2020 was captured on video and audio formats. The event was a dream for VIC that became a reality.
At the time, the audio was available via VIC’s bandcamp page for the listening experience. Visually, the footage is still currently available on YouTube.
The band premiered the event that has been titled Through Space & Time (Alive in Athens) via their YouTube Channel on May 1, 2021. The footage is still available for viewing.
The digital soundtrack in download / streaming formats were readily available as of Friday, May 21, 2021 through VIC’s bandcamp page. The links are still there but now as a preorder with a release date now showing for March 3, 2023.
Through Space & Time sees the band playing AoA in its entirety except for “Sparkle Out of Black Hole.” Now the song does play as the credits for the film roll at the end.
VIC opens with “Welcome” from AoA, followed by the eight minute title track and “Part V.” It’s at this point that VIC steps back pulling “Nova,” “Perdikomata” and “Skaros” from Riza, their 2014 release.
The band returns to AoA for “Dance of Night” followed by “Zvara” from their 2014 EP. VIC circles back for “Arrival,” “Father Sun” and “Millennium Blues” from AoA.
The Greeks once again reach back to Riza for “Ti Kako” followed by “Audience I,” audio from within the crowd. This allows VIC to take a breather while relishing in the moment that has blossomed in front of them.
Recharged, VIC revisits “Cosmic Soul” and “For the Innocent,” the first single from AoA. With the energy level already amped up, the onstage video footage behind VIC increases the intense energy level even more. “Audience II” allows for another short break. VIC performs the 11:27 “Karakolia” from the EP which closes out the incredible set.
The folk elements that VIC utilizes in their music are all there. The inclusion of the didgeridoo, bagpipes and flute elevates Through Space & Time to another level. Those elements are not just on AoA, they’re part of the VIC’s musical DNA. These things were consistent throughout the night.
Add the multi camera angles, incredible camera work, footage fluidity from all perspectives, thus resulting in stunning footage.
A clutter free stage and massive projection screen stretching the width of the stage just add to the concert package.
Live releases these days have become more common and at times, more of filler in a band’s music catalog. That’s not the case for Through Space and Time. The album may just be a contender live album of 2023 even though it was captured in February 2020. VIC has set the bar extremely high for this honor with Through Space & Time.
Whether originally visually or digital, it’s an amazing capture of 17 tracks over a two hour period. Now imagine how amazing the listening experience will be whether on vinyl or CD.
At the time of the original digital release, the music purists were wishing, hoping and praying for physical release. The overwhelming demand to see Through Space & Time never ceased.
Information that was made available at the time had Napalm Records looking at the Fall of 2020 for a physical release. Obviously that never happened.
A release of this magnitude had traditionalists rethinking downloads among a sea of vinyl in the music room. Those who really wanted Though Space & Time did follow through. Doing so, they obtained an amazing performance for seven Euros or more. The bonus is that download in their bandcamp collection is still available for their listening pleasure.
Through Space & Time is currently available for pre-order through Napalm Records, Napalm Records America and VIC’s bandcamp. The three LP sets will be available in orange, gold and black depending on the online outlet
The album will also be available in a two disc digipak CD format as well.
Whatever variant is selected, the wait for this physical format releasing Friday, March 3, 2023 will be worth it. Most of all though, this amazing performance will be great for the health of one’s musical soul. Adding VIC’s Through Space & Time in one’s collection is a no brainer.
