by Daniel Warren Hill
From the first note of “HYPERKINETIC,” you can tell there is something a little different about the music of Lino Camilo. An upright bass takes center stage while seemingly effortlessly becoming part of the rhythm section after a few seconds before diving right into the heart of the song, which, though incredibly unique, will resonate for fans of Tom Yorke and Radiohead, particularly those who appreciate the more progressive and imaginative tracks on albums from Kid A onward.
“HYPERKINETIC” is part of Camilo’s debut EP, “TILL THE TIDE TAKES US,” and includes their debut 2020 single, “shut the fuck up,” a complex track that’s darker lyrical overtones are somewhat masked by the pop-like nature of its chorus, yet somehow the song manages to create and maintain the sense of weight one might feel when one party doesn’t feel they are getting what they need from their communication with someone else. Originally from Vienna and now residing in London, you can sense the cathartic nature of the project as Camilo reflects on their time in Vienna in a way that suggests maybe some distance is healthy, singing in “FORGET VIENNA”:
I’d rather you stayed right by my side Forget Vienna / Sometimes I get so damn lonely at night Forget Vienna
“HYPERKINETIC” is a bit more existential, as many tracks have the ability to become once you mention God. The song really can’t help the fact that it mirrors an internal dialogue, a conversation with someone, and a discourse with a deity.
Lately, I’ve been / Looking at the stars Looking at the stars Wondering where you are / Wondering where you are Looking at the stars
The repeating theme follows that same multi-directional conversation:
Nothing is real unless it fits my aesthetic God, you’re pathetic / I’m so hyperkinetic / Don’t you think the worst ones always win?
Lino Camilo’s “TILL THE TIDE TAKES US” is an exploration of strength through vulnerability, taking a deep gaze into the complex struggles going on within ourselves and how that impacts our relationship with one another, as well as the divine. You can find the EP, an alternative pop queer DIY project for fans of Billie Eilish and Glass Animals, wherever you enjoy listening to music and check out “HYPERKINETIC” below as well as on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixutre playlist on Spotify.
Daniel Warren Hill is an American musician, writer, and motivational speaker. He is best known as the frontman for Washington DC area Alternative Rock band YellowTieGuy, as co-founder of Capitol Groove Collective, and increasing the exposure of artists on a global scale through his work with Alchemical Records.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
