We recently featured Music Factory Records signee Roman Angelos as he took us on a serene, yet dynamic trip with his single, Motorbike Journey, so when we heard that the talented artist had released the entirety of his album, Tropical Nites, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to fully immerse ourselves, and share our experience.
The records opens with Motorbike Journey with textured drums, astral vibraphone tones, an evocative trombone and cerebral percussion nuance, expanding with a serene and meditative flute. We love the introduction to the record which truly sets the tone of what is to come.
Next up is Regretful Echoes which opens with an equally dimensional energy, in synch with its predecessor albeit laced with a more emotive quotient. The track is brimful of charisma, tapping into that transcendental tropical vibe in line with the title of the record. The piece feels cinematic and we can certainly imagine this as the score of a movie, building with drama and intrigue.
The instrumental performances throughout the record are sublime, organic and showcase nothing short of instrumental mastery. This leads us onto Secret Officers Meeting, which reminds us of the movie Wild Things, set in Florida. It has a subversive energy, bringing to life the title of the track as a concept. This is something that we really appreciate with Roman’s artistry – it is evident and presented with clarity.
The title track of the album, Tropical Nites, is an elegant opus, cementing the core philosophy of the record, whilst Bella In Nighttown draw us in with a moody bass, cerebral toms and divergent percussion, once again manifesting the cinematic appeal of the narrative-driven record as a whole. We love the ebbs and flows of the tracks and the drama that ensues.
Breezeaway opens with a strummed guitar and a meditative BPM, before building with melodic zest. We learn that the band features an eclectic mix of talented musicians, each bringing their unique expertise and musical flair to the ensemble.
Leading the group is composer Roman Angelos, also known as Rich Bennett, whose guitar work forms the backbone of their sound. Brittany Anjou adds a melodic and percussive layer with her skillful vibraphone playing, while Ben Zwerin anchors the harmony and rhythm on bass.
On drums, Spencer Cohen drives the band’s dynamic rhythms, complemented by Dennis Boolyoins‘ intricate percussion textures. The ensemble’s sonic palette is further enriched by Rose Rutledge‘s expressive flute, providing lyrical and airy melodies. Kai Sandoval‘s trumpet delivers bold, brassy tones, and Nadav Nirenberg‘s trombone adds depth and warmth with its rich, resonant sound.
Completing the lineup is Deidre Rodman-Struck on piano, whose versatile playing ranges from delicate and intricate passages to powerful, sweeping chords, tying together the diverse elements of the band’s music. Together, these musicians create a distinctive and captivating sound that showcases their collective talent and creative synergy.
Lady of Singapore taps into the astral tones of the vibraphone and feels like a cohesive, yet refined jazz-hybrid number, as Dark Night At The Tiki Bar channels a more subversive energy with moody tones and cerebral flair. We love the emotional quotient of Pages And Palm Leaves, which secures the overarching aesthetic of the album with its whimsical edge. Finally, Unwritten Letters brings us full circle, serving as a an emotive and peaceful finale to a record that is rooted in bringing to life the magnetic and delectable warm, humid energy filled with the scents of blooming flowers and the sounds of nature. The moonlight illuminates the lush landscape, while fireflies add a magical touch.
We have added Regretful Echoes to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the record, and live our ultimate fantasy of peace and serenity with a touch of drama with Roman Angelos and Tropical Nites.