Kyros (band)

Kyros (typically stylised as KYROS, formerly known as Synaesthesia) is an English, London-based progressive and alternative rock band, formed in 2012 with roots dating back to 2009.[1] Originally a solo project of multi-instrumentalist and singer Adam Warne in collaboration with guitarist Nikolas Jon Aarland, evolved into a band setting in 2013 after the debut self-titled album was recorded and released in January 2014.[2][3]

Kyros
Also known asSynaesthesia (2012–2015)
OriginEngland
GenresProgressive rock, alternative rock, art pop, synth pop
Years active2012–present
LabelsWhite Star Records, Giant Electric Pea, Independent
Associated actsIQ
The Lens
Vestindien
Blood Command
Edge of Reality
WebsiteKYROS Official Website
MembersAdam Warne
Joey Frevola
Peter Episcopo
Robin Johnson
Past membersNikolas Jon Aarland
Ollie Hannifan
Sam Higgins

Biography

2009–2013: Formation and Signing to Giant Electric Pea

Having gone through a number of incarnations, Kyros dates back to 2009 as a solo music project under the working title of Chromology.[1] Adam had begun his experimentation with songwriting whilst undergoing his studies at The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology.[4]

In 2010, Adam began writing towards what would eventually become Kyros' debut album under the then name of Synaesthesia. In 2012, he joined in collaboration with fellow Middlesex University student Nikolas Jon Aarland, who helped record guitar parts. Nikolas was involved in the recording process of the early demos but left the project in 2013 soon after his parts were re-recorded at Aubitt Studios for the GEP release of the album. This was due to his ongoing work with a number of other projects.[5] He was replaced with guitarist, Ollie Hannifan[6] who helped record a number of the remaining guitar parts for the album as well as contributions from IQ guitarist, Michael Holmes.

Under the band name of Synaesthesia, Adam signed a recording deal with Giant Electric Pea in February 2012[7] and promptly started the recording process at Aubitt Studios in Southampton for the debut album with IQ guitarist and Giant Electric Pea CEO, Michael Holmes as record producer and Rob Aubrey as recording engineer.[8] The album was recorded through the process of multi-track recording and overdubbing as all the instruments with the exception of bass guitar and electric guitar were performed by Adam Warne. Guitar duties were taken care of by Ollie Hannifan, Nikolas Jon Aarland and minor edits and re-recordings by Michael Holmes. Bass duties were taken care of by Michael Holmes with the exception of Nikolas on the track, Technology Killed The Kids.[4]

Once the recording of the album had finished, Adam began the process of completing the band lineup for future albums and live purposes. He welcomed second guitarist, Samuel Higgins whom he had also met through university, along with drummer, Robin Johnson via an online forum[9] and bassist, Peter Episcopo via recording engineer, Rob Aubrey, into the band with Adam taking care of vocals, synths and keyboard duties from then on.

Kyros's debut album was released originally a self-titled work as the band was under the name of Synaesthesia at the time. The album was released 20 January 2014[3]

The band performed their debut concert at The Cultuurpodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer supporting IQ[10] and received positive reviews for their performance.[11][12]

2014: Departure of Ollie Hannifan and Joey Frevola's joining

In early April 2014, the band announced that guitarist Ollie Hannifan would be taking what was then, a temporary leave due to his commitments to stage production, Mamma Mia!. Through a post made via the band's Facebook page, an announcement was made stating the following: "In terms of what's happening when Ollie returns is not yet clear. At the moment, we're going to see what happens when he finishes the tour and we'll take it from there."[13] Following this, the band sent out a press release announcing the search of a fill-in guitarist. The press release stated that the position is required to be filled until January 2015.[14] Although the press release stated clearly that the position was temporary, applicants were told via email response that this did not mean restrictions to membership of the band and that they could contribute to the band creatively and artistically. In this sense, this meant that they could not be counted as a Touring member but rather, a full-time member for the period they were filling in for Ollie Hannifan.

On 28 May 2014, the band announced via their Facebook page, "After nearly five weeks of discussions and reviewing over the auditions and applications we received to replace Ollie Hannifan for the next eight months, we are very happy to announce who we chose."[15] The band announced the welcoming of guitarist, Joey Frevola into the band to temporarily replace Ollie Hannifan for the period stated. With this, Joey was chosen to become a full-time member of Kyros with the ability to contribute to writing sessions for future songs as well as replacing Ollie Hannifan for live concerts. Through the same Facebook page post, the band also announced that Joey is based in the United States and would be moving over to London to work with the band for the duration needed.

In January 2015, the band announced that Joey would become a permanent member since Ollie will no longer be available to return to the band. The announcement was made at their headline show in W2, Den Bosch in the Netherlands.[16]

2015–2016: Name change, split from GEP and release of EP

In the Spring of 2015 the band also opened for Marillion at the Wolverhampton Marillion Weekend event before making their North American debut at RoSfest[17]

On 24 September 2015, the band announced via Facebook, newsletter and their website that they will be changing their band name from what was then Synaesthesia to Kyros, effective from the end of the European Spock's Beard tour of 2015, on which they were a support act.[18] The band stated that this was due to a number of reasons, including legal complications and the marking of a new period, as the debut album was originally a solo studio project of Adam Warne but the project had since gone on to become a fully fledged band with a creative style that was heading in a vastly different direction than their debut album.[19]

Within the same announcement, the band stated that they would no longer be working with Giant Electric Pea due to "creative differences". This led to the band announcing that not only would they be releasing their second album independently but they will also be producing, mixing, mastering, pressing, and promoting the album independently, taking much influence from bands such as Marillion who are known to currently work independently from major record labels and gather funding via crowdfunding.[20]

To help fund their new album, as part of the same announcement, the band cited that they would be independently releasing a limited edition pressing of an EP titled BETA. It was the first independent release from the band, with all work including mixing duties and artwork undertaken by members of the band. The BETA EP contained three new tracks from the band's then-upcoming album in their work-in-progress mixes and arrangements and three demos from the recording and writing sessions of the debut Synaesthesia album.[18]

Following the release of the band's BETA EP, their social media posting and presence dramatically dropped whilst they continued to work on what would eventually become their double album, Vox Humana.

2017–2018: Vox Humana, KMG and independence

Towards the end of 2016, the band dispatched a press release announcing their double album, Vox Humana, which was to be independently released through their newly established management company and record label, KYROS Media Group or KMG.[21] The announcement[22] detailed that the release had been a culmination of approximately three years of writing, recording and mixing with efforts from all members; Adam Warne on vocals, keyboards and mixing, Joey Frevola on guitars and programming, Sam Higgins on vocals, guitars and additional programming, Peter Episcopo on vocals and bass guitar and Robin Johnson on drums and percussion. It was made clear that Vox Humana was Kyros' first professional release as a band since transitioning from a solo studio project whilst signed to GEP Records. The album also features a full live brass section with parts arranged by Raymond Hearne, better known as the drummer in the progressive metal band, Haken. The double album was mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden.[23]

Within the same period, the band released the maxi single "Cloudburst", which included multiple versions of the track "Cloudburst", including a shortened radio edit for pushing towards a mainstream wider radio audience and extended "feature-length mix" to market towards their established progressive scene roots.[24] Following the release of the single on 21 September 2016 and their double album, Vox Humana, on 5 November 2016, the band continued to push forward and released an EP on 12 February 2017, the Monster EP. Following suit, this EP included a radio edit of their track "Monster" as well as alternative versions of the track. Differing from their "Cloudburst" maxi single release, the Monster EP also included two entirely new tracks. "Indigo Was Her", which preceded the eventual album version of "Monster" before being shelved and later adjusted, and "The Door", which was written by Joey Frevola as part of his contribution towards an external songwriting project. "The Door"'s mix and overall sound palette was adjusted once taken in by the band as a Kyros song.[25]

With an emphasis on image and a conscious approach towards artwork, the band have been working closely with artist Matt Verges for creating the artwork of Vox Humana[26] and the Monster EP.[27] Matt has been working in close partnership with the band since these two releases and continues to work together for further plans. Continuing the band's conscious approach to artwork and image, the band released a simple self-produced music video for the track "Cloudburst" making the use of projectors and overlays and a CGI video for the track "Monster", which was directed by Miles Skarin and produced by Crystal Spotlight.[28] The video includes the use of 3D depth scanning and advanced 3D modelling. Since then, the band have also continued to work closely with Crystal Spotlight.

2019: Departure of guitarist, Samuel Higgins

On the 7 April 2019, the band announced the departure of Samuel Higgins via their Facebook page[29]. Higgins' last performance with the band was at the annual 2DaysProg+1 Festival in Veruno, Italy in September 2018[30]. Within the same post, the band announced it would continue as a four-piece lineup with Joey Frevola taking on backing vocals. Responding to fan queries via comments, the band had also stated that all of Sam's parts had been recorded for the third album Celexa Dreams.


2020–Present: Signing to White Star Records and release of third studio album, Celexa Dreams

On the 13 March 2020, the band announced their signing to White Star Records, headed by musician and record producer, John Mitchell and Magick Eye Records head, Chris Hillman.[31][32]

On signing to White Star Records, Kyros vocalist and keyboardist Adam Warne comments:

“When we were introduced to White Star, we knew from the get-go that it would be a natural fit. John and Chris’ open-mindedness meant that they understood our desires to experiment and try out different styles, and that we would have a very clear-cut vision on how we wanted to go about executing our ideas. The limits are ours to push. For all of us in Kyros, that’s incredibly important and motivating. This is a new chapter for Kyros, and one that will undoubtedly surprise a lot of people. I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds.”

Mirroring his enthusiasm, White Star Records’ Chris Hillman exclaims:

"We’ve been thoroughly pleased with the positive feedback we’ve had for the previous releases on our White Star Records label, but that also creates a pressure to ensure that future releases maintain a high standard. That pressure is made a lot easier with bands like Kyros! When we heard early mixes of the band’s new album, we knew that the band would be a worthy addition to our White Star family of artists. Inventive and exciting and with great melodies too, the band have progressed impressively from their previous, well-received releases. We are looking forward to getting the finished tracks out there and looking forward to working with this fine band of exceptional musicians.”

Soon after, both the label and the band announced that the upcoming studio album, entitled 'Celexa Dreams' will be released on the 19 June 2020 and "would consist of a collection of short stories, each underpinned with a thought-provoking lyrical concept. From delving into the emotional weight of working in a job you hate to the more serious commentary on the dangers of toxic internet culture and anonymity, each slice of the band’s forthcoming album pulls from threads of the band’s collectively accumulated life experiences."[33][34] Their first single to be released, Rumour was released on digital platforms on the 17 April 2020 and displayed a change of direction and sound palette for the band with journalist, Eden Kupermintz describing the style of Rumour and the rest of Celexa Dreams to be "a giant love letter to that sweet (and sometimes painful) time when progressive rock bands like Yes, Rush, and others were experimenting with the synth-pop sounds of the 80’s and early 90’s. The result is an eclectic and well written album filled with tasty bass, prominent synths, and ethereal, evocative vocals."[35].

On the 19 June 2020, the band then went onto release their second single from Celexa Dreams, entitled Phosphene. Described by Metal Mayhem Radio as "a dense, textural track that adopts a more deliberate pace into deep, ballad-esque territories."[36] A press release was announced with front man Adam Warne stating, “‘Phosphene is a very personal song to me. It was actually written directly in response to our debut album, Synaesthesia. I wrote the lyrics on that album about someone who had negatively affected my life in a significant way at that point. I fell out of contact with that individual, but many years later, re-established contact after realising how pointless it was to hold onto grudges. It’s all just teenage drama at the end of the day. We mature, we gain experiences and learn how to cope with certain situations as we grow older.”[37]

Phosphene marked another push towards new territory as the band explored a slower paced, ballad-esque approach to songwriting with inspiration taken from eighties ballads, modern synth pop and vaporwave.[36]

As a result of the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, the band have had to cancel multiple shows and appearances, as well as music video and press photo shoots in the run up to the release of Celexa Dreams[38] but have gone onto to start their Isolation Gigs series on Facebook and YouTube with each online show broadcasting on the last week of every month. Starting initially as a one-off special for World Health Day[39], the band followed up with their second edition in April[40] and have alluded to future shows[41].

Musical style

Kyros perform a brand of Alternative Rock, Electronic Rock and Art Rock with heavy leanings towards the Progressive Rock genre. The band are also not afraid of taking influence from popular music with heavy influence from eighties, nineties and modern pop music. Kyros have cited Porcupine Tree, Kate Bush, Muse, Radiohead, Rush, CHVRCHES, The Dear Hunter, Duran Duran, Frost* Trevor Horn, IQ, Spock's Beard and more as major influences.[42][43]

Personnel

Current members

Collaborators

Former members
  • Nikolas Jon Aarland – guitars (2012–2013)
  • Ollie Hannifan – guitars (2013–2014)[13]
  • Samuel Higgins – guitars and backing vocals (2013–2018)[29]

Discography

Demos

  • Chromology, 'Time, Tension & Intervention' (2011)[1]

Studio albums

  • Synaesthesia (2014)
  • Vox Humana (2016)
  • Celexa Dreams (2020)

EPs and singles

  • BETA EP (2015)
  • "Cloudburst" maxi single (2016)
  • Monster EP (2017)
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References
  2. "SYNAESTHESIA / KYROS". Progarchives.com.
  3. "Giant Electric Pea Ltd - Synaesthesia by Synaesthesia". Gep.co.uk.
  4. "Interviews • DPRP.net". Dprp.net.
  6. "KYROS". Facebook.com.
  7. "Prog | Louder". Prog Magazine.
  8. "Giant Electric Pea Ltd - Synaesthesia sign with GEP". Gep.co.uk.
  10. "Christmas Bash 2013 at Boerderij (Zoetermeer) on 20 Dec 2013". Last.fm.
  11. "IQ Xmas Bash & Synaesthesia, 20 december 2013, De Boerderij, Zoetermeer". Progwereld.org.
  12. "DPRP : Concert Review Archive". Dprp.net.
  13. "Announcement via band's Facebook page of Ollie Hannifan's temporary leave". Facebook.com.
  14. "KYROS". Facebook.com.
  15. "KYROS". Facebook.com.
  16. "BACKGROUND MAGAZINE Concert Review: X-Panda, Synaesthesia". Backgroundmagazine.nl.
  17. "SIMGE On The Scene: SYNAESTHESIA Make Their US Debut At RoSfest 2015". Speakimge.com.
  21. September 2016, Jerry Ewing. "Kyros Reveal Artwork For Double Album Vox Humana". Loudersound.com.
  22. "KYROS (ex-Synaesthesia) to Return With New, Double Album "Vox Humana"". Prog-sphere.com. 7 September 2016.
  23. "Vox Humana - Rebel Noise". Rebelnoise.com.
  24. "KYROS (UK)". Justincaseradio.com.
  25. "INTERVIEW: Kyros". 3 February 2017.
  26. "Behance". Behance.net.
  27. "Behance". Behance.net.
  28. "Portfolio". Crystalspotlight.com.
  29. "KYROS". Facebook.com. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  30. "KYROS". Facebook.com. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  31. Howkins, Jessica (16 March 2020). "Kyros sign to White Star Records". Distortedsoundmag.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  32. Pilkington, Steve. "KYROS sign to White Star Records". Velvetthunder.co.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  33. April 2020, Jerry Ewing19. "Kyros release video for brand new track Rumour". Loudersound.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  34. "Synth-rock outfit Kyros announce new album and turn back time with new music video 'Rumour'". Rocknloadmag.com. 18 April 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  35. "EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: A "Rumour" Tells Me This New Kyros Track is Great". Heavyblogisheavy.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  36. "Kyros announce pre-orders of 'Celexa Dreams' with shimmering new ballad 'Phosphene' [White Star Records]". Metalmeyhemradio.com. 8 May 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  37. May 2020, Jerry Ewing07. "Kyros release new video for new single Phospene". Loudersound.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  38. "KYROS". Facebook.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  39. April 2020, Prog07. "Kyros play isolation gig for World Health Day". Loudersound.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  40. April 2020, Jerry Ewing29. "Kyros and Jordan Rudess streams this evening". Thegigcartel.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  41. April 2020, Jerry Ewing28. "My Lockdown with Kyros mainman Adam Warne". Thegigcartel.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  42. "London Prog group Kyros talk about their new album Vox Humana". Progreport.com. 23 January 2017.
  43. December 2016, Rich Wilson01. "Meet Kyros: The band formerly known as Synaesthesia". Prog Magazine.
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