Review: roman around Finds Resilience In Complicated Emotions On ‘The Toll of Unconditional Love’
FALL INTO A MAGNETIC TRANCE – on roman around’s new album, The Toll of Unconditional Love. An 11-track project, heightening the complex production that has become eminent within their discography.
Following the release of their 2023 album, Tell Me All About You, the genre-bending artist is now tackling the twists of trauma and the love that can come along with it. An honest reflection that reveals the intricacies of learning to heal.
Opening with “Get It from You,” you’re swept into the abyss of provoking guitar strums. The moving simplicity draws you in, as an unexpected saxophone creates a lightweight contrast to the moody origin. As roman around sings, “How come I’m so naive / Acting like a machine / I know what you say to me, oh / You don't mean.”
A seamless transition follows on “Moves.” The pace picks up as their indie-pop chops make an unforgettable appearance. A kinetic number that ties in hints of reflective nostalgia as they recount pivotal moments from childhood – handling friendships, dancing in the garage to Michael Jackson, and understanding family dynamics. The artist is not shying away from introspective lessons, instead, highlighting them in candid lyrical structure.
Those pop-like elements hold strong on “The Thanks” as roman around experiments with sonic layers of jazz, funk, and electronic influences. While “Lexapro” gives a deeper sense of vulnerability, and intimate illustrations of battling through personal challenges. They sing over an arrangement of stirring cello and piano, “Bottle of Lexapro/my parents just don't know/what I tried doing to myself/last night I went to bed/with too much left unsaid/you feel bad for me; I don’t know why.”
The album flows through a sense of understanding, even through these tough moments of emotional expression. “Pity Party,” reminds us of our habit of forming coping mechanisms when handling grief.
roman around makes room for acknowledging growth, even through life’s heaviest moments, and The Toll of Unconditional Love makes that clear.
There’s a sense of conviction as the album begins to close. A comprehension that love is still found in the most complex scenarios. “No One Else,” tackles that sentiment, specifically going through the ups and downs of a close relationship. They call it their love song, saying about the track, “I express that I don’t just expect perfection, but I’m willing to travel through the roughest tides with my loved one. I explore the comfort I’ve found in this close relationship during difficult times.”
roman around has the skill to draw you into their unique and multifaceted soundscape. One that is never hesitant to tackle obscure production. It takes you further into any emotion that The Toll of Unconditional Love might conjure.
“The narrative weaves through the impact of abandonment, the struggle to communicate complex emotions, and the journey of healing and self-acceptance,” they tell about the album's themes. “Ultimately, the album serves as a raw and honest exploration of resilience, showcasing how love persists through challenges and how personal growth can emerge from navigating difficult emotional landscapes.”
That is the beauty of the project, it makes sure to dig you out, assuring that the pain and the struggle are not the final result.
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