Giovanni Rotondo “Exoplanets” 2024. Romanus Records, limited edition splatter vinyl variant. Neo-classical cosmic-inspired piano compositions. Not my usual fare (nor Romanus’) but since one of my goals is to have a copy of all Romanus releases, here I am. I did not spring the extra cash for the very limited Space Dust variant (glow sand and real meteorite dust filled vinyl) though that would have been pretty cool. Since I know nothing about Rotondo and very little about modern/neo-classical piano music, I’m going to quote wildly from Romanus’ and Rotunda’s websites.

From Romanus Records

“Exoplanets are planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system, revealing the universe’s vastness and complexity. Giovanni Rotondo’s music explores these celestial mysteries, transporting listeners to the outer edges of the cosmos…This album came to us via our MFG side of our business. However, the concept and the music was so unique and cool we asked, “why don’t you just let us release it?” Through covid delays & label releases we waited but we couldn’t be happier to share this dreamy space piano concept with you…Giovanni Rotondo is a London-based Italian composer known for his emotional and technically skilled music. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Giovanni’s work spans feature films, TV series, and documentaries, earning him praise and a loyal following. His compositions, such as a symphony blending Neapolitan folk music with orchestral arrangements, have been performed by the Teatro San Carlo Orchestra. He also has done a bunch in the Video game music community which we thoroughly enjoy.”

From Rotondo

I decided to create a space-themed piano solo album. My main goal was to search deep within myself and find a style that wasn’t dictated by what was popular or in demand. I was determined to let my instinct guide the writing 100%. So, I sat at my piano and started playing. After a few minutes, the music started to flow effortlessly from my fingers, and to my ears, it sounded new and exciting. I could describe Exoplanets as a post-modern piano solo album, or call it neo-classical, minimalistic, or new-objectivistic. But to me, Exoplanets is simply the musical reflection of my soul. Each of the 12 pieces was inspired by a unique exoplanet—planets that orbit suns other than our own. Once the writing was complete, I knew I had something special. But it wasn’t until the incredible Romanus Records picked it up for release that I truly felt I had done something right.

I’m not sure I can choose a top pick (and there is nothing rocking nor ass-shaking on the entire LP) but it’s quite lovely, dreamy and super-relaxing and so I can link at least one or two songs, I’ll choose my favorite track names: Track 1 on Sector A (side A) “Proxima B – The Nigh” and Track 7 on Sector B (side B) “PSRR B1257+2 B Poltergeist” (the latter does have a bit of pep to it!).