Oaya, Fireflies, The Brutal Zembekiko by Vana Mazi Music Review

Vana Mazi are a five-piece group hailing from Austin, Texas, whose music is so unique that they are somewhat difficult to classify. They describes themselves as a Eurasian Prog-Core Poly Folk-Dance Ensemble, with a line up consisting of an accordion, guitar, violin, upright bass and drums. Essentially they combine Eastern European and Gypsy music with a modern folk/rock to create a hybrid sound all of their own, which essentially they see as ‘fun, groovy, dance music’.

Those who have been raised on a steady diet of four-to-the-floor EDM may struggle to dance to Vana Mazi though – they are as inventive and unpredictable with time signatures as they are with musical styles,  an element taken from traditional folk dances of the Balkan region. Their originality developed through years of travel, fusing the music of Greece, Italy, Central Asia and a distinct Balkan element that gives an air of exotic mystery to their sound.

These three tracks are a good indication of what Vana Mazi does. Oaya is perhaps the most accessible of the three, as it is mostly in the time signature of 6/8. We first hear the lilting vocal melody played on guitar, before the lead vocals enter chanting the title, aided by subtle but effective backing harmonies. Just as you’re being mesmerized though, they playfully start altering the bar lengths, shifting the accent and alternating bars of three and two before the verse begins.

Listen to Oaya

Lyrically, they are just as different as they are musically. The opaque words to Oaya are somewhat reminiscent of Pablo Neruda poetry: “Your eyes are like almonds, your fire is wandering, your heart sings in a slow breeze like a bee sting, its blood cleansing…”. After two verses and chanting sections, things turn left once again with time signature changes, before a wonderful accordion and violin section that is in good ol’ 4/4 time.

The song Fireflies captivates instantly, featuring a haunting, exotic Balkan melody played on what sounds like a tsouras, bringing to mind The Beatles’ Within You Without You. Vocalist and composer Ian J. Everett does indeed sound a little like George Harrison and Vana Mazi could easily have thrived in the 60’s psychedelic counter-culture. You can virtually smell the incense…

Listen to FireFlies

Again, the time signature constantly shifts under the feet, but this doesn’t have a disorientating effect as the repeated main melody holds it all together nicely. The spiritual, mystical aspect of the group is reflected in the magical lyrics: “These sentient beings sent here for a reason, teaching the humans that light is alive…despite the night time,  where there is no sunshine, the smallest insects can remind you of life….”. The section that comes after the accordion/violin interlude is very powerful, the male and female vocals bringing to mind Jefferson Airplane or The Mamas and Papas.

The Brutal Zembekiko is equally as excellent, with an even more exotic, Balkan-influenced tsouras sound and main melody. Like Fireflies, the vocal melody follows the tsouras and has a very unusual time signature (the main section is in 17/8 I think, but don’t quote me on that!). The music has a remarkably hypnotic effect, with the powerful, haunting melody gradually working its magic on the listener. I think it may my favourite of the three, though it is hard to choose.

Listen to Brutal Zembekiko

Overall, just from these three songs, I can safely say that Vana Mazi are the most interesting and original group I have encountered for quite some time, both musically and lyrically. Their music is literally addictive as well as intoxicating, and although they might have mainstream pop fans bewildered by their sound, they will equally inspire passion and devotion from those in the know. I expect them to accumulate a sizeable following of musical acolytes in time, and this reviewer certainly has a new favourite band!

By Alex Faulkner

I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.