It took us a while to fully identify what we were listening to. ‘Burnout Certified’ sounds beautifully vintage and nostalgic, with a great deal of old-school hip-hop and boom-bap beats in it. In fact, the record could have been made in the 90s, as far as we are concerned. Well, it turns out it’s much more recent, with Italy-based Luca Gasperoni guiding its creative flow. Part lo-fi and part organic hip-hop, ‘Burnout Certified’ showcases Gasperoni’s attentive and nuanced production work, all steeped in analogue warmth and grainy textures.
Featuring fourteen kaleidoscopic pieces, the album gifts the listeners an experience like no other. Both introspective and euphoric, ‘Burnout Certified’ feels rather unapologetic and boundary-pushing, distilling decades of hip-hop into one eclectic, comfortable and vivid package. The many soulful samples in it are a joy to listen to, as so are the cinematic vocals and the socially-driven lyricism behind them.
Speaking about the record, Gasperoni explains: “As I was writing a poetry book, I decided to turn some poems into lyrics. I am kinda shy of sharing my thoughts, but I decided that in this particular moment in history, it is important to speak out. So here I am, speaking to introverts and people frustrated by the actual social and political situation – you’re not alone.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Burnout Certified’ on Spotify:
