Stefanos Barbalias – Fixed On You (2024)
In our 2023 interview with Stefanos Barbalias, the singer-songwriter described music as “…a shelter in a crazy world inside and out, a flashlight pointing to what is important and in its greatest moments…” – it is this sentiment that oozes from his moving melodies. Eager to explore the complexities of existence, Greece-based Barbalias weaves poetic lyricism in an eclectic, enigmatic twirl of sound. Blending aspects of rock, pop, folk and classical music, there is an intricacy to Barbalias’ sound oscillating from classical structure to folk whimsy. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Fixed On You’.
Following his well-received single ‘Out Of Faith’, Barbalias enters 2025 with the dramatic ‘Fixed On You’. Recorded and produced at Studio Syn Ena and Artracks Studio with George Verikakis, Clyde Jabra, Costas Stergiou (mixing) and Yiannis Christodoulatos (mastering), ‘Fixed On You’ taps at tearful rawness and vulnerability clasped in a sophisticated sonic glove.
Tender and endearing, the magical sprinkles of folk travel along ‘Fixed On You’; however, the melody lilts toward vintage folk-rock ala Uriah Heep and Magna Carta. Combining Barbalias’ expressive piano with Stavros Parginos’ haunting cello, ‘Fixed On You’ captures the soul-stirring sensation of a classical symphony. Then again, just as the orchestral balance is set, Petros Lambrides’ bass combines with Nikos Papavranousis’ drums inserting a whimsical aspect. Bring Alexis Kraniou’s guitar to the composition, and you have a whirlwind of kaleidoscopic sound embracing crude and classic.
Lyrically, the single captures a tragic tale of woe, but it is the melody that tugs at each emotion making ‘Fixed On You’ insatiable. Described as a song “that feels destined for the silver screen”, ‘Fixed On You’ is the expressive soundtrack to a desperate tale of longing. Tearful and heart-breaking, the song leaves you gasping for breath as it washes down your spine with Barbalias’ rich vocals whispering in your ears. Torment and triumph, ‘Fixed On You’ has you trembling but also laughing in its sonic tides.
Find out more about Stefanos Barbalias on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more indie-folk music on The Other Side Reviews Indie Folk playlist:
