Fresno, California-based roman around, aka Roman Rivera, releases their debut album, Tell Me All About You, via Trailing Twelve Records.
Talking about the album, Rivera shares, “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.”
The brainchild of multi-racial artist Roman Rivera (they/them), roman around arrived on the scene with the release of “Star Signs,” followed by “DNT” and “Like Me More.” All three songs premiered on KCRW’s ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic,’ and were playlisted on Spotify’s Fresh Finds, along with being featured on elite outlets.
Presently working as a music educator, Rivera challenges traditional gender norms while fostering a safe place for themselves and others in the LGBTQ+, POC, music, and general community.
Encompassing eight tracks, Tell Me All About You begins with “Good Luck,” a short, creamy, drifting intro, full of eerie, translucent tones.
Entry points include “DNT,” with its lush ambiance, subaquatic synths, and gleaming accents. Vaguely reminiscent of Prince blended with Michael Jackson, there’s a beguiling allure to the subtle layering of the harmonics.
“I feel like you held me back / You never keep your head down / The doctor says I’m only good enough / To lie in bed all day and night to cry.”
A personal favorite, “Bear the Burden,” blends hints of pop and R&B atop a jazz-tinged, hip-hop rhythm. Soft vocals imbue the lyrics with portentous colors.
“Momma say she running outta time / Then daddy came and set fire / I’m at peace but I’m not taking it / Cause I’m holding on, it’s not right.”
“Comes With Age” conjures up suggestions of Christopher Cross, blending percolating textures with glowing surface tones and dreamy vocals into a plush, hypnotic tune.
“When you call my name / Call my name and I’ll just hold my hands out / Oh, you make me feel small / And keep me around.”
roman around has it going on! Tell Me All About You is at once innovative, familiar, and achingly bewitching. Don’t miss this one.
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