Jon Torello – Civil War (2024)
With a penchant for storytelling and a desire to express the intricacies of human beings, singer-songwriter Jon Torello uses music as cathartic communication beyond words. His debut single ‘Reaper’ was released last year, but with each single, he astounds audiences who constantly wait in anticipation of the next single. This is our introduction to Jon Torello but listening to his melodies, it feels as if we have known him for years – a comfortable connection with a best friend.
Drawing inspiration from psychology, symbolism and life experiences, along with the influence of Pink Floyd, Ray LaMontagne, Neil Young and Hans Zimmer, Torello’s music is charming and laidback but simultaneously profound and complex. Following the well-received singles ‘Winter House’ and ‘Janus’, ‘Civil War’ explores the intricacy of delving into your innermost heart before you can fully accept the outer world. Torello explains:
“Most of my songs have themes centred around introspection, our changing society, and looking beyond pairs of opposites to heal the world by healing ourselves… ‘Civil War’ grew out of my last release ‘Janus’ and shares similar themes though serves as a narrative for the inner war we fight against ourselves perpetuating outer friction with others. It offers the possibility that by accepting the best and worst in each of us, it can allow for an acceptance of the best and worst in others….”
In previous material, Torello taps into his Lewis Capaldi with the gruffness of melancholic vocals; however, it is ‘Civil War’ that delves further into the darker aspects of Capaldi. A charming interplay of acoustic guitar, percussion and a cello incites harmonic symphony raising your heart. Yet, while the melody is uplifting and heartfelt, lingering darkness exists in the powerful lyricism and vulnerable tone.
Intriguing in its heartfelt tenderness but also its complicated entanglement, ‘Civil War’ stands out as one of those songs expressing both sides of the coin. Bold, rich and warm, Torello lifts your spirits and gives you a soul-stirring breath as he looks at the lighter side of things; however, the cello and darker wells of instrumentation tackle you to a tumultuous world of inner conflict. Oscillating between light and dark with a rollercoaster of emotions, ‘Civil War’ leaves one exhausted but content.
Find out more about Jon Torello on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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