Roman Angelos invites us into the serene and contemplative world of “Tropical Nites,” his latest album that follows the success of “Music for Underwater Supermarkets” and its remix companion, “Supermarkets, Underwater.” Written during a holiday in Key West, the album’s themes were conceived in a single sleepless night on a hotel balcony, reflecting both the tranquility and solitude of the night.
It’s one of the most uniquely sounding records you’re going to have the opportunity to hear all year. The album utilises instruments like the trumpet and a vibraphone in ways that are starkly and almost entirely missing from a lot of modern work. The result is a record that’s able to deliver an emotional core thoroughly of its own, evoking the sentimentality of desolate streets and quietness amidst chaos.
The lead single, “Motorbike Journey,” offers a delightful glimpse into Roman Angelos’ compositional approach. Featuring a vibraphone-led theme that dances between riff and melody, the track is punctuated by trombone solos that weave in and out, creating a rich and surprising harmonic tapestry. Composer and guitarist Rich Bennett describes the track as a meditation on our tendency to dwell on past experiences, often overshadowing the present moment, even amidst life’s sublime experiences.
The subtlety and lightness of tracks like “Bella in Nighttown” also drew my attention, much more staccato even rhythmically. My personal favourite comes on “Dark Night at The Tiki Bar”, a charming and poignantly quaint melodic piece that exudes a sense of simple happiness that’s hard to punctuate in words.
“Tropical Nites” will be available on vinyl in a limited run of 100 records, featuring a beautifully designed sleeve by UK artist MJ Langthorne. This album is not only a must-have for any vinyl collector but also a perfect starting point for new enthusiasts.