One EskimO album screening: strange and beautiful

It’s a sunny afternoon in London and we find ourselves sitting in Soho House in a 27 seat cinema for the viewing of an animation film that accompanies the album All Balloons from new collective One EskimO. This is an unusual concept and brings with it that tingling anticipation that this could be something rather special. We are far from wrong.

The ten track album is backed by a series of ten short animations that breed imagination and magic. The basic concept of the story is that of a small Eskimo with three friends – a monkey, penguin and giraffe, a concept dreamt up by front man Kristian Leontiou (who has previously found fame with a solo career who experienced chart success driven by his debut album Some Day Soon in 2004). The animations are incredible and breathtaking. Just eighteen months ago Kristian won a Brit Animation Award for the creation of one small film, and now these creations have grown to encapture the whole album.

What is incredible about this album is that it works perfectly in three ways; as a standalone album to listen to, as a short film animation with soundtrack, and as we later this evening discover as a live set.

The sequence begins with ‘Astronauts’ which is a melancholic and simplistic track. The vocals are harmonious and fluid with a real sincerity and purity that unravel to tell the tale of the little Eskimo. The animation sets the scene with the birth of the Eskimo, which a sound that builds into something rather epic. The soundtrack is relaxing and calm, and develops to chart the separation of the Eskimo and little Red Indian girl. “So whenever you need space/I guess it’s okay/When you’re floating away/To feel nothing at all/We can be astronauts/If you want to get out of here”.

Second track ‘Kandi’, the debut single from the band, introduces us to the other three characters in the animation, set against a warm and sunset like background. A revelation of spine-tingling and intricate vocals juxtaposed against soft and harmonious melodies, the animation really comes alive and we begin to feel attached to the characters in the story. Without a doubt, as far as animated bands go, One EskimO beats the likes of Gorillaz any day. ‘Slip’ introduces us to a magic star that features throughout the concept of the album, “And of all the creatures under the sky/There is you and I”. The Eskimo has a vision of being reunited with the little Red Indian girl in an endearing and loveable track that leaves a lasting impression.

The highlight of the album is arguably ‘Hometime’, the opening track of the album that features half way through the animation. It is melodic and a little more upbeat, a catchy and memorable track that sums up the sound of the band effectively and provokes interest. “Collect all your things ‘cos it’s hometime”. The guitar melody is so very simple yet captures the mood beautifully.

‘It’s Amazing’ does exactly what it says on the tin, drawing a fantastic animation to a close, the star has become a symbol of hope, and the sounds gradually build, creating a sense of letting everything go as the Eskimo flies, the characters are reunited and they jump holding hands. It is not hard to see why the band have already gained so much attention.

The whole concept and performance is enchanting. After seeing the film there is some scepticism as to how well it will translate on stage but it works wonderfully, and somehow still captures the magic of the characters through the music and sounds. Kristian Leontiou’s vocals lend a real quality of innocence and clarity to the concept; these vocals are inarguably the key to the success of the whole creation. The talent that he has demonstrated through the animation, music and conceptual ideas with the help of his band is admirable; it is a long time since we have witnessed a unique talent like this. Both the Shepherds Bush Hall and the 27 seat cinema here tonight are left truly under the spell of the magic of One Eskimo.

If you like your music with an unusual twist and a sprinkle of magic then this band is truly not to be missed. You can see One EskimO on tour in May and the album All Balloons will be released digitally on 29th June 2009.