Nick Mirisola of Meditative Animal continues the journey with the release of the upcoming album, “Alternative Phenomenon,” on 10/11/2022. Moonlit Creative Works produced the album. The 13-track record features talented artists such as John Dixon Mirisola (Nick’s brother), Kandiss Knowles (singer), Rafael Hendrix (beatboxer), BMo the Producer (beat maker), Lil Beats (hand drums), Chris Plummer (multi-instrumentalist), Adam Schoff (Mandolin player) and Ozzie Lopez (bassist).
“Alternative Phenomenon” is an epic tale of frontman Nick Mirisola’s trip down the rabbit hole. It features ballads of love, grief, discovery, and deception. Nick has constructed every track lyrically such that the listener can make interpretations of the meanings and relate to them. Stylistically it’s a distinct fusion of alternative folk, rock, and country. However, if it’s anything like Meditative Animal’s previous works, it will be very folky and whisk you away to a mountain campfire. Each track brings its own ‘character,’ so to speak, to this ‘Dungeons and Dragons party’ of an album.
In Meditative Animals’ previous album, Social Gravity, it feels like the group is a team of travelers who take a break to sing a tune. The lyrical content is undoubtedly intriguing and thought-provoking. And it would be interesting to see if the new album’s vocal delivery and style differ from this previous work.
The five-minute lead track, Never Clip Your Wings (Robyn), is written so you could derive multiple meanings from it. You could imagine Nick singing about a girl named Robyn, or you can imagine it’s about any person you consider significant in your life. It’s a sweet, wholesome tune that conveys love and appreciation with every quip.
Another track on the record is Fantasy Woman, a song about a literal fantasy woman in the middle of a not-so-fantasy world. This song, like Never Clip Your Wings (Robyn), can be interpreted in multiple ways, including it being potentially about any woman who fits this description. On the other hand, Prism is a track with multiple cultural references and influences that gives the vibe of manic actualizations and machinations.
A more multifaceted track, Round The Block gives a synopsis of Mirisola’s journey up until now and the lessons he has learned along the way. The project also features Minin’ Silver Linin’s, a song written by Nick years ago, telling a story of tough times that lasted so long that he had to get used to it. As we collectively experienced the pandemic, listeners can easily relate to this.
“Alternative Phenomenon” weaves a storyline about the process of spiritual enlightenment and a personal stroll down the path towards it. This project and its campfire trip vibe will surely catch the attention of listeners and critics alike.
“Alternative Phenomenon” will be out worldwide on 10/11/2022.
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