roberto

Music:

Member Since: 19/05/2008
Band Members: roberto
Influences: madonna, depeche mode, joni mitchell, bjork, queen, caetano veloso, leonard cohen, the beatles, radiohead, prince, elvis presley, david bowie, inxs
Sounds Like: "Just flip through the pages. I'll let you in, I'm an open book to the right finger tips." It's hard to deny such an enticing invitation and thus is the power of Roberto's debut "Record". Like reading a diary you shouldn't, this highly anticipated first album is filled with such personal insight, it feels wrong to intrude, yet it's too exciting to stop.Besides being a personal journey, Roberto's courage as a lyricist provide the listener with the ability to tap into emotions fear may often hinder. Through his verses in songs like "Love in Return" where he shares "I wish that I was all that you deserved, and that I could return that much to you, all that I owe you." We as an audience are given a stage on which to express longing, insecurity and desire, honestly and eloquently.While this freshman attempt clearly has Madonna-esque influences, Roberto certainly didn't limit himself; citing Joni Mitchell's "Blue" as an inspiration was a welcome surprise. He states in regards to her song writing, "it's like you have a seat right next to her as she is experiencing life." Well with Roberto's "Record" we're more than just sitting next to him, we're in his head. This is powerfully conveyed with the album's hauntingly beautiful song "Suono di un Sogno," even without words, Roberto's hummed melody feels strikingly intense. Considering that this album is completely about expressions it is befitting that his voice becomes a tool by which to convey his message. The faint despair of the sung chorus in "Be It" truly enhances the song's ardent message of needing to live a life that feels true to oneself.There are moments when Roberto's production decisions get the best of him, like in "9 Embraces" and "Caress" where I wanted less reverb and echo effects and more raw voice. Overall I'm impressed with the lush texture of his voice, melodies, and how he uses their wonderful ability to overcome barriers like language.That is why, with his lyrics, voice and music Roberto invites us not only to learn and share his story, but also to richly experience our own.-Jessica Gonzalez Album Review for "Record" release party
Record Label: Unsigned