Search - Athena :: Hersey Yolunda

Ska from Turkey - It works!

Posh Maggie | 06/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever wonder what Istanbul, a half European half Asian city of 12 m people sounds like? Get an Athena record and find out for yourself. This "little" band of 4 have managed to combine ancient oriental sounds with modern ska beats in a witty and unique way. Unique because the different music styles are arranged together, they harmonise, and are not just randomly thrown together.



However, Athena does not only toy with clashing music but also conflicting life styles.

Their songs deal with relationships frankly, in a down to earth and openminded manner. This is unusual for a Turkish band. You may not understand the lyrics but, obviously Athena gets the message across. Gaining more and more fans in Europe, they ranked 4th in the 2003 Eurovision song contest.



"

Excellent SKA from Turkey

H. Musazlioglu | East London, UK | 01/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Athena are four boys from Istanbul: Gökhan, Hakan, Ozan und Turgay which makes them officially Turkey`s first Ska Band.
They started off in `The Last Breath' a Punk Band, then formed after a couple of musician changes Athena (after the Greek Goddess of war). By and by their Fan base got bigger in Turkey, until one day they were invited to start off the Istanbul gig of the Rolling Stones in front of a 40000 people crowd.
Now they are absolutely huge in Turkey and made it already on the excellent Ska sampler "United Colours Of SKA Vol. 3 by the famous German label Pork Pie Records.
I am aware, it's a hard sell: a Ska band, from Turkey, of all places! Though they're good, in fact they're damn talented musicians. It's excellent upbeat Ska with some very catchy Middle Eastern tunes. I noticed my constant grin on my face because it's fun and very enjoyable to listen to, which is exactly what good Ska is supposed to do - think of Madness and Bad Manners. Now dare and order!!"