Album Review - Efthimios Nasiopoulos, (Don’t Worry, Speaks English)

When it comes to Efthimios Nasiopoulos’s album (Don’t Worry, Speaks English) , relatable topics such as family, dating, and navigating an ever-changing world are explored through clever storytelling and an undeniable affability.

Efthimios opens his album by poking fun at the spelling and pronunciation of his name. This premise dives head-first into his Greek upbringing, and quickly establishes his genial tone and forecasts recurring themes throughout the album. By highlighting the idiosyncrasies of his father’s preoccupation with being a living obituary and his mother’s obsession with cooking, Efthimios paints a vivid picture of his childhood that is both grounded in specificity and delivered with his casual charm. In particular, the lesson of “starving kids in Africa” is both palpable and hilarious. 

While he touches on wholesome topics, Efthimios also explores political subjects, singling out Alberta’s opinion of Trudeau. Rather than soapbox his opinions, he takes us on a surreal fantasy that somehow balances romance and homicide. This absurd “what if” is a strong example of Efthimios’ ability to approach darker subjects with his humour and likeability.  

Overall, this album is an authentic reflection of Efthimios’ blend of relatable subject matter with his mischievous charm. Much like the translation of his name, Efthimios Nasiopoulos’ style of comedy is truly “good natured.”

(Don’t Worry, Speaks English) was released March 10, 2023 on Comedy Records.
Listen to it here.