New York-based rock artist Andrew Ruoti recently released his conceptual EP, Odyssey, which explores overcoming adversity and trauma and transforming it into resilience.
Talking about the EP in an interview, Andrew shared, “Diversity is key with this album. Diversity and resiliency. The big motivation for me was to write something from the heart that people could connect to. The album is not only about my own personal journey, but the journey of the collective…everyone in the world navigating through these challenging and uncertain times. In that way, the album has a very relatable quality to it.”
He went on to add, “For me, it’s all about connection. Like many, music has always been an outlet for me, so to share what I love and possibly give others an outlet for their feelings and introspection…. well, that’s a beautiful thing and nothing beats that. I’m really excited about this album.”
Odyssey was produced by two-time Emmy award winner, Uly Millan.
Speaking on collaborating with Millan, Andrew says, “I love all of his work and I’m a huge fan. His overall vision, scope, and talent with regard to production is immense. He has every studio session working from an authentic heart space, in real-time, with spontaneity, which helped with driving home the essence of what the album is all about!”
Appearing on the EP are Andrew Ruoti (vocals, guitar), Uly Millan (lead guitar, bass, keyboards), and Gregg Sulzer (drums).
Encompassing five tracks, Odyssey begins with “State of the World,” opening on emerging dramatic tones as a distant voice sings in the background. Edgy and humming with tension, the harmonics whirr, and shimmer, and then slowly fade to a single piercing tone.
Highlights include “Tribals and Tribulations,” which according to Andrew, “represents the tone of the album and is actually one of my favorites off of ‘Odyssey.’ The song is about overcoming adversity and trauma by transforming it into resiliency. So the song is more about the collective than it is about my own personal journey. The idea of taking care of one another and our planet, our friends in the animal realm and our oceans, etc. is at the forefront.”
“Deconstruct” rides an alluring rhythm topped by potent alt-rock guitars as Andrew’s rasping vocals imbue the lyrics with intense passion.
Simultaneously innovative and spellbinding, especially on the more ambient tracks, Odyssey is poignant, imaginative, and sophisticated.
