Bryyo, an enigmatic artist from Austin, Texas, has been carving out a unique niche in the independent music scene, delivering immersive sonic landscapes that are hard to pin down, but easy to enjoy. Taken from his 2024 album ‘Past’, standout single ‘Roma’ is a unique but welcoming introduction to Bryyo’s world, providing a perfect snapshot of ambient synths, dreamy melodies, and textured, downtempo beats.

Built on an instantly enticing sound that sees light pulsating beats collide with this driven, EDM-inspired backing, ‘Roma’ is a song that grabs you, not with force, but with this ensnaring, almost enchanting style. The looped sounds are laced perfectly with simple yet effective chords, waves of sound crest and fall over rhythmic tone, creating a mesmerising, easily hypnotic pull. Think '80s synthpop, but dipped in a modern, ethereal sheen where cultivated layers of sound overlap to form a perfect wall of sound.

The production is top-notch, polished, but still allows the song to breathe. Bryyo masterfully balances the warmth of analogue synths with the crisp precision of digital elements to create something that is almost organic. Every element is crafted and refined to create a dreamlike pull, never overstepping the mark as it pushes forward.

While the EDM influence is clear in the track’s structure and pace, Bryyo never loses sight of the introspective core that has defined his sound. He has a way of playing with these ambient tones and sonic nuances, ensuring that ‘Roma’ remains engaging and never repetitive or stale. It’s an impressive feat, and something that shines throughout the single and in the album as a whole.

It’s difficult to pull yourself away from ‘Roma’ once it takes hold. There’s something about those ‘retro-futuristic’ vibes that just holds your focus, never once happy to let you go. It’s an almost kaleidoscopic track that takes elements of synthwave, EDM, and pop to create something different altogether, something that’s far more than the sum of its influences.

If you’re a fan of electronic atmospheres that straddle the line between retro and future, Bryyo is definitely an artist to watch. ‘Roma’ is a tantalising glimpse into the sonic world he’s crafted on ‘Past’, and it leaves you wanting more, no matter how many times you hear it.

With the full album available now, and more to find on Spotify, be sure to connect with Bryyo on Instagram.