bands

Meanie Geanies were formed in Athens at the beginning of 1997 and they got their name from Tony Brook's and The Breakers song named “Meanie Geanie”, when they listen to it played as a cover from their favourite band The Sound Explosion.

A female 60's Garage - Punk band was the dream and Meanie Geanies is the dream came true. Their music was a mixture from the innocent and primitive 60's Garage!!! Back From The Grave style, row surf and moody 60's punk.

The band's sound was the… purest possible, using equipment and recording techniques straight from the 60's. .

"THE OVERTONES" (Surf, Thessaloniki / GR)

The Overtones is the side project of the ab-fab Frantic V

The Overtones are the newest band around in Thessalonica's rock scene, pounding a new sound which hails from the old burlesque and surf days. They are a side project of the Frantic V (or aren't they?), with a wrestling touch. The band digs surf music and the sound you can find in the Las Vegas Grind compilations. The sax brings a naughty dirty approach to the Overtones sound which is backed by a twang guitar in full reverb (11!) a wooden bass guitar (is there anyone using plastic?) and heartbeat drums at full speed.

Seeing them live, one should expect nothing but pure madness, fun, and anything else but a professional show! The Overtones' sole purpose of existence is to snuff all the square people! (we like ‘em round) So far, they have a 7” on “ON STAGE RECORDS” and have participated on the “enjoy the Greeks” compilations. Rumor has it that a no-fi LP is on the works…

Saturday, 10 June

“THE TEDDY BOYS FROM THE CRYPT” (Garage, Athens / GR)

The Teddy Boys from the Crypt were formed a cold night in December 1996, in a damp, cold and stuffy basement in downtown Athens, by El Baron (bass, lead vox) and Reverend Hick (guitars). No one could even fathom what was to follow…

A few days later, T-Ace Machine (drums, back vox) joined in and it wasn't but a week later before their first ever public performance in An club, at the Battle of the Bands. Frequent shows were to follow reaching their peak at the last concert of the legendary Sound Explosion, circa 1997. Then…complete silence…

Many thought this was the end of the Teddy Boys from the Crypt... However, this was far from true as they simply returned to their lab to continue their malign experimentation.

In order to avoid being bothered and to do their devious work undisturbed, they let some rumors circulate, that were focusing on their studies or serving their country. Nevertheless, they few that new but have sworn eternal silence, were certain that the day when the Teddy Boys from the Crypt returned was not far away.

Three years later, in 2000, they performed again in numerous occasions in some well known “sound laboratories” (i.e. live clubs). That same year, they “drafted” the infamous Organ Grinder (farfisa, vox) and set out to implement their devious plans. They performed alongside bands like the Seeds, the Fuzztones, Mark Lindsay and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion while in February 2005, they opened for the Sound Explosion at their first live show after 7 years (as they have done in the former band's last performance back in 1997). At the same time they performed alongside fellow bands such as the Psycicks, the Frantic V, the 700 Machines, the Ducky Boys and many more.

During the spring of 2003, they went in the studio to record a 4-track mini ep (as if their live shows weren't enough). This ep was to be released by the famous underground garage label Action Records (whom the Teddy Boys from the Crypt thank for their courtesy to undertake the release) in the summer of 2004. The reviews from abroad were raving and soon the rest of Greece was to pick up on the work of the band.

To add to all the above, the Teddy Boys from the Crypt are making their plans to take on Europe during the winter of 2006 while waiting for the release of their second single, again by Action Records. In the meantime, enjoy them loud and keep your antennas tuned because they just might pay a visit at your local bar …so, BEWARE and be… PREPARED !!!

“THE FRANTIC FIVE” (Garage, Thessaloniki / GR)

The Frantic V were formed in early summer 1994. As they became active they started live performances in front of stunned crowds representing the real garage of Thessalonica. In 1995, Jens Lindberg, of Crimson Shadows, came to visit the boys and on a starless night they recorded properly 2 tracks lost in oblivion, one of them you can find if you dig in the first release of Belle Vue 45's Series. Some e.p.s were published in and out of Greek border, while wild and fun gigs were the permanent winter agenda for the cold north Greek nights. They have been on the same stage with monster bands like: ? & The Mysterians, The Seeds, The Fuzztones etc. A well-experienced band that offers a non-stop dancing set

Sunday, 11 June

"THE HIPSTAIRS" ( Hammond Groove, Athens / GR)

From sleasy listening to soulful latin jazz and hammond beat to fuzz driven shakes, the Hipstairs have set the groove in swinging Athens since their debut appearance in 2004.

Consisting of four discerning gents with an endless love for fuzzy 60s organ nuggets and a bagful of sparkling soul pop gems, their unique groove blend along with ear catching melodies make them the most unique mod act in Greece today.

Shortly before their recordings of their debut release, they are excited to present their growing repertoire of original material which is accompanied live by a choice selection of elite covers including tunes of George Fame , The Link Quartet, Malvin Sparks, astonishing Roberto Pregadio, Pierro Piccioni, and vocal numbers from the songbooks of Motown, French cuts etc.

Often accompanied by guest session vocalists the Hipstairs are : Stelios ( screaming hammond organ - wurlitzer ), Lefteris ( electrified batteries ), Thodoris ( eclectic guitars ) and Manolis ( kickin bass ).

THE BANDS

"THE OVERTONES" (Surf, Thessaloniki / GR)