Born in Italy, singer/songwriter luliano embarked on a unique journey with the Hidden Roots EP. He wanted to create something special that would solidify his sound if he suddenly died one day and he had to leave something behind, so his friends and family could remember him for generations to come.
“I started this project as a testament,” said luliano in a statement. “If something happened to me tomorrow, I would want to have something to represent me. All of the music that I have done up until this point has been just a compromise.”
The EP kicks things off with the track “Who Knows,” which features a somber beginning that creates a lasting feeling and introduction with smart guitar hooks and a steady build. It’s followed up with “Comfortable Lies,” which is a toe-tapping, yet ironic, number with a playful arrangement and seductive vocal work from luliano.
The song “Not a Sound” has a soft sound with a spooky ambient tone and a warm underlying feel, while “Help Me” expresses raw emotions with haunting tones and impressive guitar and percussion work that’s reminiscent of Ray LaMontagne or the later works of Radiohead.
And finally, the EP is finished off with “The Hidden Root,” which is a smart tuneful song with a well-layered and composed feel and all around wonderful production work in the recording.
Although the Hidden Roots EP is short (it only features five tracks and a radio edit of the title track), it certainly creates a long lasting feeling or connection from luliano to the listener. Its intimate tone really comes out from the first track on, while there’s also a deeper sense of conflict and realization as a recording artist.
The burning desire for songwriting and artistic endeavors can really be felt through the EP, which is wonderful and warm. You really just want to wrap yourself inside of it like a cozy blanket.
Songs: B+
Technical: B
Overall: B+
For more info on luliano, visit his Facebook and SoundCloud pages. Hidden Roots is also available on Spotify.
