roman around – “The Thanks” [Song Review]

Fresno-based artist roman around, the project of Roman Rivera, releases their new single/music video “The Thanks,” a song exploring themes of disillusionment and familial strife.

roman around shares, “‘The Thanks’ serves as a poignant exploration of the pain, perseverance and patience inherent in unconditional love.”

A multi-instrumentalist, roman around has been featured in elite media outlets, premiered tracks on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” and recently had their music synced in Freeform’s Good Trouble.

“The Thanks” opens on a bending, tremolo guitar rolling into a deliciously murky, swampy melody topped by roman around’s cool, slightly dreamy vocals. Aaleyah Wilson’s backing vocals rise over the music, revealing a luscious four-part harmony. Off-tempo, three over four percussion imbues the rhythm with loose, crunchy dynamics.

roman around, photo by Mel Heater

The video, directed by KC Powers, depicts roman at a table covered in dust, backdropped by insulation foam. A person sits beside them, vehemently arguing. Yet roman is unaffected. As the one-sided rant unfolds, roman continues singing with an occasional half-smile materializing.

Dipped in almost sleazy tremolo guitars atop wonderfully innovative drums, “The Thanks” shapes a contagiously unique earworm.

Run Time: 2:50
Release Date: July 24, 2024
Record Label: Trailing Twelve Records