ANIMATE – Unbound (2022)
Influenced by British rock bands from the 70s, 80s and 90s, ANIMATE has a vintage genre-traversing sound with a modern-day edge. The brainchild of singer-songwriter Luigi Surdo, this Italy-based musical project really stands out from the rest. While the project is in its infancy, Surdo is gaining an international following with features on Sinusoidal Music, Havoc Underground, Euro Indie Music, Indie Dock Music Blog, Roadie Music, and Info Music (to name a few). He has also been featured on numerous playlists spreading his music to millions of ears. The latest release from ANIMATE is the single ‘Unbound’.
Recorded in Italy with sound engineer Francesco Scauzillo, ‘Unbound’ embraces an indie-folk vibe carried throughout the melodic arrangement. Driven by an acoustic guitar, there is an old-school charm about the track; however, it is the vocal execution that really pushes its elegance. Sophisticated, soothing and warm, Luigi Surdo’s dulcet tones make a safe space where you can release your anxiety, but also sends you adrift on a hazy sonic river. Unlike the heavy rock and roll sound in his previous release ‘Filling Your Void’, ‘Unbound’ is chilled, laidback and something you can easily put on repeat.
Highlighting the versatility of his musicality, ‘Filling The Void’ and ‘Unbound’ spark completely different emotions in their concepts and melodies. ‘Filling The Void’ is sexier, harsher and a little cheeky; whereas, ‘Unbound’ wraps you in a warm hug with its presentation. When speaking about the concept of the track, ANIMATE shared that it is “…about life and missed occasion…” noting the juxtaposition of melancholic lyrics in a rich, comfortable melody.
Penned on an alcoholic night with friends, ‘Unbound’ is a sincere, sentimental and brutally honest song about the human soul. A melancholic experience of life, but then also an optimistic hopefulness in its delicate arrangement. My one complaint about ‘Unbound’ is that it ended too soon.
For more from ANIMATE check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
