Naxatras
Naxatras is a Greek psychedelic rock band formed in 2012. They are celebrated for their warm, analogue sound, which draws inspiration from the psychedelia and progressive rock of the late 60s and 1970s. Their signature sound features ethereal melodies, deep grooves, and "psychedelic" guitar solos enriched by elements of funk, jazz, and oriental music. Throughout their journey, the band has transitioned from an improvisation-focused approach to more complex compositions, particularly evident in their fourth album.
The band has been acclaimed internationally for its lively performances and distinctive recording methods. Naxatras' music is rooted in their passion for analogue recordings and live shows. Their first self-titled album, Naxatras, was recorded in 2015 at Magnetic Fidelity Studios with Jesus I. Agnew as the engineer. The album was captured live in just one day using only analogue gear, quickly becoming one of the highest-selling records of its genre and establishing the band within the international psychedelic rock landscape.
Following their debut, they released their second full-length album, *II*, 2016 along with an EP. In 2017, they released the single "All the Stars Collide Into a Single Ray" and worked on their third album, which was recorded in the same live, analogue style. *Album III* debuted in 2018, further complemented by a live album that showcased their sold-out concert at the renowned Gagarin 205 venue in Athens.
For their fourth album, *IV*, released in 2022, Naxatras expanded their sound by bringing in multi-instrumentalist Pantelis Kargas on keyboards and synthesizers. This album marked a shift from their improvisational roots towards a more structured compositional style, with recording taking place at Magnanimous Studios in Thessaloniki.