Out of nowhere comes this acid–folk / psych / baroque / progressive masterpiece!!! Go on a lysergic odyssey with Constantine on Day of Light. Dedicate to my friend from Austria: JOSEF, who appreciates Greek musicians.
CONSTANTINE is the project of the the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and serious classic psych and folk album collector Constantine Hastalis. Constantine Hastalis is of Greek heritage and hails from the windy city of Chicago. He considers his primary instrument to be the guitar and started playing the piano as a young child. His love of classic psychedelic music of the 60s
through 70s led him into creating Acid Folk (psychedelic folk) music. For Contantine's LP, Day of Light, Hastalis was joined by various Chicago musicians, including members of the classic progressive acid folk band OF WONDROUS LEGENDS. The founder of O.W.L. Stephen Titra, not only performed on the album Day of Light, but also provided the medieval inspired, Tolkienesque album art. Day of Light was released in a private pressing of 300 copies with a gatefold sleeve, distributed by the Spanish Guerrsen Records.
Those who appreciate pastoral and melodic folk, pop and rock, classic acid folk, psychedelic rock and progressive folk, as well as West Coast psychedelic pop and Eastern influenced psychedelia and Indo Prog/ Raga Rock (sitar), are likely to appreciate elements of this retro music which evokes
folk and psychedelic music scenes of the late 1960s through early 1970s. Some acts this reminded me of in part include Mark Fry (Dreaming of Alice), The Incredible String Band (The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter), Donovan (The Hurdy Gurdy Man), Spirogyra, Tudor Lodge, Mellow Candle, Forest, Love, The Pentangle (such as on Basket of Light of which Day of Light's album name is evocative), Perry Leopold, early Renaissance, as well as the acid/ progressive folk band O.W.L., of which members recorded with Constantine for the album Day of Light.
An elegantly artistic psych/folk album that impresses with its heartfelt delivery, musicality and desire to
offer something mature in its messaging. These relaxing and yet highly intriguing arrangements provide something for almost any listener of the genre. Constantine’s debut LP ’Day Of Light’ will lead you on a lysergic odyssey filled with flute, sitar, tabla, Mellotron, electric harpsichord, Vox and Hammond organ, male–female vocals, studio effects & more.
A strong emphasis is placed on songwriting and arrangement, while the songs themselves have a Baroque, nuanced and hopeful atmosphere. Fans of the 1969/70 dense, delicate and psychedelic/folk
psych sound need to get Day Of Light into your ears! Housed in a charming, old–style heavy gatefold paste–on sleeve in the best tradition of the late 60s / early 70s private pressings. Follow the sound of echoing flutes and sleeping bells; past the willows, far over the hill. Disappear on a journey down the forest path, where kings and magicians are hiding in the trees. Beware the darkness of the forest and enjoy the vibrant colors of the land; harpsichords and Mellotrons as your guide. Come wander til the day has vanished and a new day begins . . .
"Day of Light" closes this magnificent record with a question mark, and not the exclamation point some might have hoped for. ‘The sun goes down, the day has vanished” sings Constantine as our journey comes to an end, but he offers the following benediction:
The day of light, the day the trees grew from the earth
The day of light, the day of death and the day of birth
The day of light, the day of love and the day of hate
The day of light, of destruction and create
The day of light, the day of beauty and the day of sin
The day of light, of the power of the light within.
It's Psydelelic Baby magazine (Interview)
Constantine – Day Of Light
Label: Not On Label (Constantine Self-released) – none
Format: Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: Dec 1, 2015
Genre: Rock
Style: Folk Rock, Psychedelic Rock
TRACKS
01. (Into The Land) That Time Forgot 2:01
02. The Trip (Parts I & II) 8:57
03. Egyptian Days 3:53
04. Song Of The Seven Willows 1:43
05. On Through The Ages 3:55
06. Fountains / Reflections 4:23
07. Voyage Of The Crystal Bird 4:38
08. Forest Path 4:37
09. (Into The Land) That Time Forgot Pt. II 1:18
10. Rania 6:10
11. Day Of Light 2:59
Total Time: 00:44:40
NOTES
Artwork By – Stephen Titra
Written By – Constantine Hastalis (tracks: 1-11)
LINE - UP
Constantine Hastalis: 6- & 12-string guitars, Mellotron, Vox organ, bouzouki, piano, bass, drums, tambourine, vocals, composer & arranger
Mike Novak: mandolin, guitar,bass
Jen Williams: vocals
Max Brink: bass
Alexander Duvel: sitar, harmonium, tabla
Muyassar Kurdi: autoharp, harmonium
Al Keeler: vibraphone, marimba, bells
Stephen Titra: 12-string guitar
Steve Hastalis: flute, piccolo
Mantas Sukevicius: electric harpsichord
Primo Mendoza: recorder, vocals
Joe Montanaro: Vox & Hammond organs
Heath Chappell: drums
Vinny Melvani: tabla
