To kick off the year 2020 in style, the multi-talented instrumentalist, composer, and performer Manolis, also known as iamMANOLIS, who gained recognition with the impressive ‘Datacorder,’ has just released a mini-album titled « IAM » featuring 8 tracks. It’s an absolute musical gem!

Manolis is known for his deep appreciation of Electronic Music and Funk from the 70s and 80s, as evidenced by his YouTube channel. « IAM » perfectly encapsulates this passion. The album showcases a complete mastery of melodies, retro sounds, guitar riffs, and vintage rhythms. The music is at times captivating and at others, soothing, yet always simple yet extraordinarily effective. Manolis’ experience as a musician shines through from the very first notes. Notably, the album features no collaborations, in keeping with his tradition of handling all aspects of his compositions. The album opens with « Golden, » a clever Disco Funk track featuring an enjoyable bassline and engaging melodies. One could easily envision it with a guest appearance by Jay Kay from the legendary band Jamiroquai. « Heat, » one of the standout tracks on the LP, begins with the essence of an 80s film, complete with iconic synth sounds and mesmerizing melodies that exude incredible vibes. It’s an absolute favorite! « Breakthrough » is another highlight, evoking the sophisticated music found in car video games like Gran Turismo. This track is enriched with amazing melodies that convey a sense of power.

« Barred Soul » offers a calm and soothing experience, reminiscent of the Slow Motion universe of Vaporwave, which also holds its charm. Now, onto our personal favorites, « Jul 83, » a dynamic and sunny track that immediately infuses a sense of joy into the listener. It’s a delightful fusion of Chillwave, Future Funk, and Italo Disco—a true treat for the ears. « Lucid Dream » stands out as the quintessential 80s track on « IAM, » complete with a retro atmosphere and melodies reminiscent of romantic movie scenes, sprinkled with nostalgia, love, and humor. It’s a resounding success! « Seashore » is our second favorite, with its incredible vibes from the very first notes. It boasts a fantastic bassline, superb Synth sounds, and efficient melodies—it’s truly captivating. « Mellow » brings the album to a close, much like « Barred Soul, » offering a soft yet powerful conclusion. It’s another undeniable success that continues to leave a lasting impression!

Overall, « IAM » is an exceptional mini-album filled with rich compositions that seamlessly blend retro influences with modern creativity, creating a musical experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

« Very nice retro synths, the older they are the more unique this music is. »

– AR from Soundcloud