Smooth Retsina Glow’s Through the Needle’s Eye is an album that showcases the band’s knack for blending rock with inventive twists, crafting songs that veer from anthemic to atmospheric without ever losing their grip on melody. The album reveals a band unafraid to explore multiple sonic textures, delivering a dynamic set that feels fresh and eclectic.
Kicking off with “Against All Odds,” it’s clear the band knows how to hook an audience from the jump. The track has an undeniable festival-ready energy, with its buoyant rhythms and infectious chorus primed to get crowds moving. It’s followed by the standout “Fervor,” where Smooth Retsina Glow flexes their melodic muscle—driven by a killer bassline and intricate drum patterns, the song has a dreamlike quality that evokes the shimmering soundscapes of Beach House. The vocalists trade lines with ease, their harmonies floating over the track’s airy instrumentation.
“Lockstep,” another highlight, dives deeper into that dreamy territory. It’s the band at their most hypnotic, conjuring a hazy, ethereal atmosphere that feels like floating on a cloud. The lush, layered production makes this track a clear standout, with its Beach House-esque vibes fully realized in a way that sets it apart as the album’s best moment.
“After All of This” offers a more introspective turn. With its spacious instrumental passages and meditative tone, the song recalls the exploratory spirit of The Doors, unfolding like a journey that circles back to its beginning. The track’s contemplative mood is accentuated by its connection to the T.S. Eliot quote: “We shall not cease from exploration / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.” It’s a fitting parallel for the album’s sense of discovery.
Through the Needle’s Eye is an ambitious, multi-faceted release that balances rock energy with dreamlike passages, making it a rewarding listen for fans of bands like Beach House and beyond. Smooth Retsina Glow prove their versatility across these tracks, creating a record that feels both timeless and new.