Review: Fernando Perdomo 'Self' (pop/progressive rock/psych)

Hey there everybody, P Part here from Sea of Tranquility. Welcome to another episode of what's hot with Sea of Tranquility Wednesday new review day! Each and every week, we cover multiple genres on the channel: heavy metal, hard rock, classic rock, progressive rock, jazz and jazz fusion, some pop, and everything in between.

Today, we've got an interesting release that bridges a couple of these genres. We're diving into "Self," the brand new release from multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist Fernando Perdomo.

Let’s start with a look at the album itself. Fernando Perdomo has truly crafted a solo masterpiece with "Self," which, as the title suggests, is entirely written, played, and sung by him. Released on Cherry Red Records, Perdomo has self-produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered this album at Forward Motion Studios. Samantha Throl contributed the artwork.

Fernando says, "Self is not just an album; it is a definition of who I am. It is the most complete statement I have ever made as a recording artist." And the result is nothing short of impressive.

The booklet included with the CD contains lyrics and some cool shots of Fernando. If you follow him on Facebook, you'll know he's incredibly active in the music world, recording and performing with a diverse array of artists. His resume includes work with the Dave Kerner Band, Marshall Caw's touring band, Carmine Appice, the Dirty Diamond, and many more.

"Self" is a more personal project compared to his previous works. Fernando has been known to dabble in various genres, including progressive rock, acoustic music, jazz fusion, hard rock, and pop. This album, however, seems to be a blend of many of these influences.

Let's break down the tracks. The album opens with "Searching for Myself," a track just over four minutes long. It's a predominantly acoustic piece that sets a reflective tone. Following this are several shorter pieces like "Everything Leads to Now," "Optimus Prime," and "Absolute Silence," all of which are poppy and acoustic yet very engaging.

"Who I Really Am" stands out as a particularly beautiful song with a strong Todd Rundgren influence. The catchy melodies and rhythmic complexity make it a highlight of the album.

"All of Us Under the Same Moon," another short piece, leads into the album’s nearly 20-minute title track "Self." This epic track is a psychedelic journey blending prog, pop, and spacey elements, filled with lush keyboards and intricate guitar work. It’s reminiscent of Todd Rundgren's more progressive phases, particularly albums like "Initiation" or the early Utopia records. This track alone makes the album worth diving into.

A quirky detail about the album is how Fernando listed multiple musicians' names in the booklet for the track "Who I Really Am." Names like Leo August, Terry Ocean, Napoleon Slice, Jeremiah Papaya, and Barry Babondion appear — but they are all aliases for Perdomo himself.

In conclusion, "Self" is an exceptionally well-rounded album that showcases Fernando Perdomo’s diverse musical talents. Highly recommended for fans of genre-blending music with an emphasis on strong songwriting and intricate musicianship. Job well done, Fernando!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Keywords

Fernando Perdomo
Self (album)
Multi-instrumentalist
Cherry Red Records
Progressive rock
Psychedelic pop
Solo album

FAQ

Q: Who is Fernando Perdomo?
A: Fernando Perdomo is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist known for his work across various genres including progressive rock, pop, acoustic music, and jazz fusion.

Q: What is unique about the album "Self"?
A: "Self" is entirely written, played, and sung by Fernando Perdomo. It is a very personal project that blends multiple genres and showcases his diverse musical talents.

Q: How does "Self" compare to Perdomo’s previous works?
A: While Fernando Perdomo has explored various genres in his past albums, "Self" is a more cohesive blend of his influences, including progressive rock, psychedelic elements, and pop sensibilities.

Q: Are there any standout tracks on the album?
A: Yes, notable tracks include "Searching for Myself," "Who I Really Am," and the nearly 20-minute long title track "Self."

Q: What influences are apparent in "Self"?
A: The album showcases influences from The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, and psychedelic prog elements, reminiscent of Rundgren's early work with Utopia.