Sigmatropic - Dark Outside

bellism

Review by Mihael Bellis

Album Review: Dark Outside by Sigmatropic Sigmatropic’s Dark Outside, released in 2007, is a curious blend of genres that feels like it was stitched together from the late-night musings of artists who couldn’t decide if they wanted to be indie rockers, electronic pioneers, or something entirely different. And honestly, that’s what makes this album stand out—it doesn’t try too hard to fit into any one box. With roots in Greece and the UK, and labels like Tongue Master Records backing them, Sigmatropic delivers an eclectic mix of Alternative/Indie Rock and Electronic sounds that are as unpredictable as they are compelling. The album features a sprawling tracklist, but two songs really stuck with me: “Crack In the Back” and “Red Across The Sand.” Let’s break ‘em down. “Crack In the Back” hits you with a moody guitar riff right off the bat, courtesy of Panos Scourtis, before Anna Karakalou’s haunting vocals take center stage. It’s got this raw, almost unfinished feel—like they recorded it live in someone’s garage—but that roughness works in its favor. Akis Boyatzis layers on some subtle electronics that give the track a dreamy vibe without overpowering the core melody. There’s a moment near the end where everything drops out except for Yiannis Tryferoulis’ drums and Karakalou’s voice, and man, it sends chills down your spine. On the flip side, “Red Across The Sand (feat. Carla Jorgenson)” leans more into the electronic side of things. This track is sleeker, smoother, and packed with atmospheric textures. Jorgenson’s guest vocals add a layer of soulful depth, while Kappa Mysta’s keys keep things moving forward. What makes this song memorable isn’t just its lush production—it’s how it builds tension. You can tell Akis Boyatzis (who wears so many hats here he might as well be running a one-man band) knows exactly when to pull back and let the silence speak. One thing worth noting about Dark Outside is how collaborative it feels. From Theodore Pistiolas’ arrangements to Ian Caple’s mastering touch, every contributor leaves their mark without stepping on each other’s toes. Even the artwork, designed by Matt Dornan with illustrations by Rena Avagianou, has this understated charm that matches the music perfectly. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the album occasionally bites off more than it can chew. Tracks like “Ours At Least” and “White (feat. Howe Gelb)” show flashes of brilliance but don’t quite stick the landing. Still, these minor missteps don’t detract much from the overall experience. Reflecting on Dark Outside, it strikes me as the kind of album that sneaks up on you. At first listen, you might think, “Yeah, it’s good, but not groundbreaking.” But then you find yourself humming “Crack In the Back” days later or zoning out to the hypnotic beats of “Red Across The Sand.” By the time you realize it, the album’s already burrowed its way into your brain. Here’s the unexpected part: despite its flaws, Dark Outside feels refreshingly human. It’s messy, ambitious, and unapologetically itself—a reminder that sometimes, the best art comes from embracing imperfection. So yeah, give it a spin. Just don’t expect perfection; expect personality. Rating: 8/10 Final Thought: If Sigmatropic ever reunites for another project, I hope they bring even more of that chaotic energy. Because honestly? We could all use a little more chaos in our playlists.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: sigmatropic-dark-outside.zip
  • MP3 size: 156.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 974.4 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Red Across the Sand03:19
A Song In My Wallet (feat. Robert, Fisher)5:49
White (feat. Howe Gelb)5:5
I Will Never Forget You3:6
Dark Outside4:21
Ours at Least04:29
Crack in the Back03:56
End Of A Patineurre6:35
A Song in My Wallet05:47
Maggie and Milly and Molly and May
Monologue3:12
The Blue Side Of The Sun4:20
A Song In My Wallet
New Life4:32
The Blue Side of the Sun
End of a Patineurre5:49
Red Across The Sand
Position One
Song In My Wallet5:47
Red Across the Sand (feat. Carla Jorgenson)3:19
Crack In the Back3:57
White
Ours At Last (feat. Jim Sclavunos)4:19
Ours At Least
Crack In The Back
Position One (feat. Robert, Fisher)3:29
The Blue Side of the Sun (feat. Robert, Fisher)3:55
Untitled0:45
Maggie And Milly And Molly And May3:05

Images

descargar álbum Sigmatropic - Dark Outside
last ned album Sigmatropic - Dark Outside
Album herunterladen Sigmatropic - Dark Outside
lataa albumi Sigmatropic - Dark Outside
baixar álbum Sigmatropic - Dark Outside
télécharger l'album Sigmatropic - Dark Outside

Catalog Numbers

  • Hitch-hyke records
  • LIFT 098
  • TMAST007

Labels

  • Tongue Master records
  • Hitch-Hyke Records
  • Tongue Master Records

Listen online

  • online luisteren
  • lyssna på nätet
  • online anhören
  • écouter en ligne
  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • lytte på nettet
  • ascolta in linea
  • ouvir online

Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Licensed ToHitch-Hyke Records
Manufactured ByEurodisc S.A.
Distributed ByCargo UK

Credits

RoleCredit
AkisBoyatzis (tracks: vox, bs, electronics)
AnnaKarakalou (tracks: vox)
KappaMYSTA (tracks: keys)
PanosScourtis (tracks: guitars)
YiannisTryferoulis (tracks: drums)
DesignMatt Dornan
DrumsYiannis Tryferoulis
Executive-ProducerTheodore Vlassopulos
IllustrationRena Avagianou
KeyboardsKappa Mysta (C. Krasidis)
Backing VocalsKappa Mysta (C. Krasidis)
PianoTheodore Pistiolas
Arranged ByTheodore Pistiolas
Lead VocalsAnna Karakalou
Mixed ByAkis Boyatzis (tracks: 1)
Mastered ByIan Caple
Written-ByAkis Boyatzis
ProducerAkis Boyatzis
BassAkis Boyatzis
Acoustic GuitarAkis Boyatzis
ElectronicsAkis Boyatzis
Programmed ByAkis Boyatzis

Notes

  • Track 13 contains a hidden track (track 13.2), it begins on 5:50, ends on 6:35.
  • Digipak case.
  • Ⓟ&Ⓒ Akis Boyatzis 2007.
  • Jewel case.
  • Ⓟ Akis Boyatzis 2007 Ⓒ Tongue Master Recordings 2007

Barcodes

  • Barcode: 5 200103 780549
  • Matrix / Runout: EURODISC LIFT 098
  • Barcode: 5 055143 200065
  • Matrix / Runout: IFPI LY34 TMAST007 01

About Sigmatropic

On 26/6/2005 they performed live at Rockwave Festival (Athens) along with , , & . Line-up: Akis Boyatzis - bass, acoustic guitar, piano, Rhodes piano, vocals Theo Pistiolas - keyboards Chris Krasidis - keyboards Yiannis Tryferoulis - drums Panos Skourtis Anna Karakaloun

Members

  • Akis Boyatzis
  • Theodore Pistiolas
  • Jack Manis
  • Yannis Tryferoulis
  • Αντώνης Λιβιεράτος
  • Panos Scourtis
  • Christos Krasidis
  • Anna Karakalou
  • Foivos Zitis

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that the album *Dark Outside* by Sigmatropic is like a musical patchwork quilt? It was released in 2007 and blends genres like Pop/Rock, Electronic, and Alternative/Indie Rock. What makes it stand out is how it brought together artists from Greece and the UK, creating a unique cross-cultural vibe. Akis Boyatzis, the mastermind behind much of the album, wore multiple hats—playing bass, programming electronics, and even contributing vocals. The album also features collaborations with big names like Howe Gelb and Jim Sclavunos, adding layers of depth to tracks like "White" and "Ours At Last." It’s not just an album; it’s a mosaic of sounds, styles, and talents stitched together beautifully.