After recently following up their much-loved 2021 LP 'RECOVER' with their vibrant comeback singles ‘The End In Mind’ and ‘Illusions Inside’, UK-based outfit Kyros return once again with their euphoric new outing 'Esoterica'.
Capturing more of that broad and illuminating prog-synth-rock aesthetic they are known for, 'Esoterica' makes for a wonderfully bold and immersive listen. With its anthemic atmosphere set to some wonderfully warm and embracing vocals throughout, they continue to shine as one of the more distinctive names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with guitarist Joey Frevola to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The order of events with me is that I started learning guitar, quit guitar, started playing saxophone, quit saxophone, started learning guitar again, then fell in love with guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The first artist I ever became obsessed with was Billy Joel. I don’t know what made that happen, but he was all I listened to until I started playing Guitar Hero in middle school which helped me branch out into other bands - mostly classic rock and power metal. Actually, I did discover Dragonforce shortly before picking up Guitar Hero, which definitely explains my love for playing lots of notes.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I bought Poodle Hat by Weird Al on iTunes when we finally got it. A lot of my musical exploration was done via the internet, buying CD’s and Vinyl was never super important to me.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are so many I could say, but one that I always go back to is Goodbye Grace by Cardiacs. Something about that song really inspires me. Also, just about anything by Steven Sondheim. Wait by The Dear Hunter is another easy pick.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Nothing fancy, really. I’m always collecting idea fragments in my voice memos on my phone. Sometimes a riff, other times a melody, many times just me verbally describing what I’m hearing in my head. From there, I open up a DAW and get to work, writing and recording simultaneously. I try as much as possible to have the initial inspiration of a piece be something other than other people’s music, preferably something outside of music on the whole. I find the results are much more special/less derivative when I do that.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Been finally exploring the vast catalogue of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to tour with The Dear Hunter. Jacob Collier would also be rad.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Sitting back and enjoying the thing you made and being like “wow, we did that. There was nothing there, then we made some decisions that I can now listen to and feel something about..”
And what is the most frustrating part?
Getting literally anyone else to care.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
More knowledge cannot harm/ruin your creativity.
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Kyros' new single 'Esoterica' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.