StreetWise releases brand new EP

Brooklyn-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Raymond Castronovo has led a unique and eventful life, a journey he now chronicles through his own original music. After turning down a major record label contract to focus on his family, he put his music career on hold, knowing he would one day return to it full-time.

Thirty years later, he made his triumphant return with his new band, StreetWise. Now a celebrated songwriter and performer, he’s released multiple critically acclaimed releases over recent years. First sharing the StreetWise sound in 2021 with the debut single “Cute,” he’s since dropped several singles, EPs and his first full-length record, Crossing Bridges.

Bringing us his latest release, he shares his brand new five-track EP titled Appetite for Unity, a release that captures the perfect snapshot of his constantly evolving musical output as an artist and storyteller, with each song offering a meaningful tale drawn from his personal experiences. Amongst his timeless songwriting, the EP is peppered with his signature guitar solos, complemented by superb performances from an ensemble of talented musicians including Chris Palmaro on drums, piano and B3 organ, Joe Martinez on bass, additional drums by Linda Mackley and backup vocals by Shannon Gilson.

Opened by “On My Own,” a gritty rock n roll groove sets up Raymond’s rich vocals to thread swaggering vocal leads over the bouncy drums and bluesy guitar rhythms and stretched organ tones as Shannon Gilson applies bright overlapping backing vocals. It’s an energising rock jam full of catchy hooks and danceable rhythms, brought to life by a spectacular full band performance that thematically tracks the excitement of a young person finding themselves immersed in the shimmering lights and chaotic lifestyle of New York City.

“Estella” showcases Raymond’s heartfelt songwriting at its finest with a delicate soft rock sound that pairs power pop style vocal arrangement with buoyant instrumental flourishes. Written as a touching tribute to the artist’s first granddaughter, it’s a charming outing full of sweet melodies and delightful lyricism.

On “New Beginnings,” the blues rock aesthetic picks up with lightly crunching guitar tones met with smooth vocal leads as the uptempo shuffle of drums ushers in a joyous sound. Set against the context of breaking free from a toxic relationship and embracing brighter days ahead, the upbeat sound of intricate guitar solos and infectious rhythms of piano and organ combine to deliver a stellar sound that’s impossible not to love.

Filtering romantic intentions through his songwriting lens on “The Way It’s Supposed To,” punching rhythms and the dazzling combination of Raymond’s commanding leads and Shannon’s elegant backing vocal work ride above an epic rock sound brimming with slick ebb and flow. Closing the EP with “What’s Wrong with the Human Race,” Raymond revisits a composition from his days wit his outfit The Raytomix from back in the 80s. With a prog-tinged aesthetic featuring shifting processed vocals and an experimental approach he crafts a spacey rock sound led by the vibrant sound of airy synth textures backed by light guitar flutters and the soft patter of percussion to create an enveloping musical journey to provide the perfect finale to the release. You can keep up to date with the artist by visiting their website here.

Listen to Appetite for Unity below