“Alive” is the upcoming full-length release by Charlie Risso, an outstanding Genovese singer-songwriter, slated for release this Friday, April 26th. The album carries ten mesmerizing compositions, where this profoundly creative artist combines singer-songwriter aesthetics with some of the finest properties borrowed from many different but complementary music genres. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you stumble upon sonic ingredients taken from dream pop, alt-pop, alt-folk, alt-rock, indie pop, indie rock, indie folk, folk-rock, and other similar genres. She expertly uses all these distinctive styles as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift this comprehensive collection of songs on an entirely new level while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with different but complementary styles resulted in a marvelous full-length album that will suit even the pickiest listeners and beyond.
As soon as you press play, you’ll notice how Charlie Risso thought about even the tiniest details and nuances while assembling these songs. She thoroughly planned all the structures by stacking them with many intricate segments that carry brilliant ideas and impressive musicianship. Every vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver has its place and purpose in this sonic equation, so a pleasant listening experience is more than guaranteed. You’ll immediately hear how her sincere, confident, emotive, powerful vocal performance serves as a centerpiece, emphasizing all the sections and orchestrations. Each vocal harmony decorates this mesmerizing sonic journey by balancing low, mid, and high notes with such ease. Also, it’s good to mention that these vocal harmonies command attention and guide the listeners through her majestic sonic universe. Of course, Charlie Risso thought about the instrumentations as well. She gradually builds such a rich and luxurious ambiance where every orchestration has its place and purpose. Sometimes as a main theme, just as a tiny accentuation, but always with the same reason, and that’s shapeshifting and decorating particular segments of these songs.
There are layers upon layers of guitars invested in each number. You’ll be surprised by the sheer amount of calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, chord progressions, riffs, accentuations, and other sonic maneuvers. All these guitar layers act as a perfect backdrop for Risso’s outstanding vocal articulations. You’ll also notice how the synth and key maneuvers and ambiances support guitars in this sonic equation, adding more complexity to each track. There are occasional sting instrumentations involved with the same purpose, and Charlie Risso paid equal attention to them as well. Together, they build the atmosphere and tension but also support Charlie Risso’s tremendous vocal performance when she needs them the most. Of course, this ear-appealing voyage wouldn’t be complete without the rock-solid rhythm section. Therefore, you’ll notice how equally intricate, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines lurk beneath all these mentioned orchestral layers, offering more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth. The drums and additional percussions dictate groove and tempo, build tension, and keep everything in line with an entire specter of cleverly arranged rhythmic sequences. The beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics sound divine from scratch to finish.
Every instrument plays a significant role on this magnificent journey. Charlie Risso invested all her experience, knowledge, skills, talent, ideas, and musicianship, resulting in a marvelous display of her abilities. “Alive” is an alt-pop masterpiece, a vivid demonstration of her capabilities as a profoundly creative singer-songwriter. It’s one of those albums you should put on your radar if you’re into the genre. “Alive” is slated for release on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms on April 26th. Don’t miss it!
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