by mariah estran
photo by richie cortez
roman around drives us through the twists and turns of their thoughts in the new EP, Tell Me All About You. The multi-instrumentalist — also formally known as Roman Rivera — has dropped the listeners into the inner workings of the creatively stimulating soundscape on the eight-track debut.
Initially entreating the scene in 2021 with the single “Star Signs,” it was clear that Rivera’s production would be a peculiar delight, an introduction to a cosmic whirlwind of grainy guitar strums and thrilling synth.
Now Rivera is showcasing the intricate dissection of multiple genres through Tell Me All About You. From indie-pop to garage-rock and ambient vibrations, it’s a luring diverse intersection of sounds.
The EP opens with “Good Luck,” a moving array of slightly distorted keys echoing as you descend into Rivera’s design. You move through “DNT” — the lyrics which observe toxic relationships as the underline groovy nature flows within. While “Bear The Burden” accentuates those alt-pop traits. Bold bass tones and kinetic high-hat ring as the enticing vocals of featured artist Thavoron share the space. Through gentle-sounding verses, they make short declarations about the destruction of the environment. They sing: In my world it’s getting warm / It’s hard to do these things alone / Bear the burden, I’m responsible.
“Rhythm” closes out the album with a rush of gritty guitar moments while Rivera sings about the loss of a beloved pet. Those emotions towards a best friend are clear. The song gathers momentum — Rivera reminiscences on tiny moments from their past. An exhilarating guitar solo at the last minute brings those feelings to a head — bells chime as drums rumble ahead. A sharp closer, a grand finale that makes you want to rewind and experience it all again.
While the exceptional production can’t go unnoticed, the personal and raw depictions uncovered within each track make it even stronger. It’s not an in-your-face announcement. Instead, you have to find it and, ultimately, feel it. Rivera says about the album, “Each track explores each subject without having to name it verbatim, and helps discover the unhidden meanings in the many various things that surround us all.”
Tell Me All About You feels like an empowering stream of consciousness. One that would have you wanting to unpack your mind as well. With this record, Rivera gives you the space to do so, or at least begin.