A fluid ocean of soundscapes touching on everything
Palmaria are an Alt-Pop duo from a small town in Italy, currently residing in London. Members Giulia and Francesco have been making a name for their distinctive sound, poetically transporting listeners on a journey of dreamy landscapes and uplifting experiences. Think The xx meets Sylvan Esso, meets Little Dragon on a field trip to the Italian coast.
Their long-awaited EP Crystallize was co-written and produced by B-CROMA (Yendry, Fia Moon) and Todd Speakman (Speakman Sound). The five-track release is a fluid ocean of soundscapes touching on everything from ocean pollution to self-empowerment and trusting your destiny. Sonically the EP is an immersive alt-pop experience with delicately placed production, waves of surprises and an all-around smooth, comforting tone contoured in a shadow of magic and hope.
“Saudade” is the kick-starter for Crystallize showing us the beauty in Giulia’s ethereal voice. With touches of jazz in the movement of the chords, the single certainly feels calm and washed with a feeling of subtle melancholy with tropical drums complementing the soundscape. “Saudade” relates to nostalgia, linking to a mystical life-changing encounter, this single is déjà vu wrapped up in a superlunary, summery collection of sounds.
“Lluvia” touches on the beauty of vulnerability, being kind to ourselves and focusing on what’s important so we can move forward with a renewed sense of being. The single flutters in and out of a muted guitar pluck, alongside floating guitars which induce a sense of peace and sonic permission to slow down. The soft female vocals complement the intricate production effortlessly in a feather-light angelic aura.
“Ocean” takes you to a surreal, idyllic, safe place, where you can feel free and you can be yourself, inspiring creativity and kindness. In this particular case, kindness towards nature, in a time where it’s pivotal that we stop ignoring the dangers we are already facing and start taking action.
The title track “Crystallize” was inspired by the Netflix series ‘Unorthodox’ resulting in an ode to freedom and self-empowerment. The duo share, “It’s an invitation to step out of your comfort zone and get rid of negative influences in your life”. The track displays a sense of tension through tenderness, with rushing ripples of electro riffs, the single is centred around haunting backing vocals and stunning guitar riffs in true Palmaria style.
Perhaps the most quietly upbeat track is the exotic “Lanes”. Filled with tropical bird songs, a meticulous beat and a wave of resolving guitar motifs, the single ends the EP with a jungle of Palmaria goodness leaving you feeling refreshed and whole.
Aiming to create a safe space and inspire creativity, the duo share that wherever people listen to the EP, “we want to transport the listeners to someplace where they can feel free, where they can be themselves, a safe space”. Palmaria has garnered acclaim from publications such as Complex, NOTION, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit and CLASH and have been playlisted by numerous official Spotify and Apple playlists including New Music Friday, Fresh Finds and many more, amassing over 3 million streams across DSPs to date.
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