Playground Theory’s 3rd studio album, ‘Tears Go Upwards’ is now available on Puzzlemusik!

After the dreamy sounds of “Speaking of Secrets” (2013) and the Mediterranean and Eastern modes of “Connect the Dots” (2016), Playground Theory’s third album, “Tears Go Upwards”, combines all of the band’s musical styles evolving their sound further.

Twelve tracks of cinematic, synth-wave, contemporary dream-pop with a twist of the east that craftily blends electronic elements with guitars, percussions and hard to ignore bass lines (“Paper Words”). Dreamy vocals with dominant melody lines work along with piercing lyrics towards a hypnotising result (“Escape the Night”).

Playground Theory talk about the chills you get when you’re not supposed to (“Lull”, “A Tiny Red Scratch”), the irony of “connections” in the digital world (“Sleep and Repeat”), the bitterness of shallow relationships (“Toys”, “Belonging”, “Paper Words”), the realisation and acceptance of things in life as we grow (“Woman Outside”, “Escape the Night”) and even how you come to envy the way your cat thinks compared to humans with an extra dose of sarcasm (“Cat Feelings”).
As with their previous release, there is also a cover of a traditional Greek song, sung in their native language (“Το Λιμάνι”- “The Haven”). It’s one of the best love songs from the island of Zante, which is transformed by the band to a dreamy soundscape. Ethereal vocals on dark synths and sounds of the sea and birds flying make up their own haven.

Playground Theory are: Dimitris Negkas (synths- lyrics), Marcia Israilides (vocals- lyrics- synths), Vagelis Katsoulakis (drums- percussion) and for the current release Diamantis Kazouris (guitar) and Tolis Metzidakis (bass).

Tears Go Upwards was recorded at Artracks studio. Sound Mixing: George Priniotakis, Mixing- Production, Mastering: George Priniotakis. Logo and graphic design: it’s Braining.

Tears Go Upwards is available via Puzzlemusik in vinyl, cd and digital form (Spotify, Deezer, i-Tunes and on all the main digital platforms worldwide.)

Playground Theory – Bio

Their sound has been described as dream-pop, cinematic and psychedelic while their material also includes Mediterranean elements and eastern modes. Contemporary synth-pop laced with ethereal vocals and dominant melody lines. Piercing lyrics prevail, haunting at times, mainly dark and at the same time comical, with a touch of irony and sarcasm.

In 2013 they released their debut album, “Speaking of Secrets” via Puzzlemusik label, which received great reviews and was included in various lists of best albums of the year in Greece.

Their second album, “Connect the Dots”, was released via Puzzlemusik label in 2016. The two digital singles off the album, “Little Things” and “Rain”, had great reception from critics and radio producers. Multiple reviews praise their second album and highlight the quality of their sound and lyrics. It was also included in various lists as one of the top albums of the year. Their sound has been enriched with eastern modes, trip-hop beats, delays and distortions, as well as with their influences from a variety of musical styles.

During 2018-19 they recorded their third album, titled “Tears Go Upwards”, which was released on 7th February 2020, evolving and enriching their music with electro elements. “Escape The Night”, “Woman Outside” and “Paper Words” were the singles released, all of which have received appraising reviews and daily airplays on the top radio stations in Athens (included in the best new songs by En Lefko radio station) and abroad (Mexico, U.K., Spain).

The band has been performing live since 2011 in various stages in Greece, mainly in Athens. They have also participated in various music festivals, such as European Music Day Festival.

Playground Theory are based in Athens, Greece. Formed in 2009, the current members are Marcia Israilides (vocals & keys), Dimitris Negkas (synths) and Vagelis Katsoulakis (drums & percussion). In their new material Tolis Metzidakis (bass) and Diamantis Kazouris (guitar) participate.