Hailing from Krokstdelva in Norway, Romattic is an alternative pop rock project built around modern songwriting, nostalgic textures and a penchant for finding inspiration in unexpected places. Drawing on the sonic character of the 1980s and 1990s while also carrying influences from classic rock, the project has developed through a series of iterations since first arriving last year. Starting out as a solo endeavour, it’s now found its current form through the collaboration between singer-songwriter Theodor Andreas Halmrast and producer Tommy Duong.
Even the name Romattic reflects the project’s knack for combining contrasting ideas; a fusion of ‘Romance’ and ‘Attic,’ it grew from the original concept ‘Romance in the Attic’ before Theodor shortened it into something more concise. That sense of looking backwards while reshaping what has come before runs through the project’s music, where personal experience and changing perspectives become fuel for songs that sit somewhere between reflection and confrontation.
Their lyrics explore the process of moving on from the past, personal growth and the experiences that accompany change, with plans to explore abandonment issues, abuse and toxicity in relationships through future material. Withing those themes sits the same initial concept that inspired Romattic in the first place: “Fuck around and find out.” It’s a blunt philosophy that gives the project a sense of irreverence beneath its more reflective subject matter.
Romattic first introduced itself as a solo act with the debut EP My Happy Place last year and now, with “Candy Smoking,” the project begins to crystallise its new direction. The latest single takes the familiar framework of the love song and turns it sideways, using romance as a way to examine the social expectations that surround relationships. “Candy Smoking” takes aim at the idea that being in a relationship has become a kind of social status, following its central character who’s madly in love with the woman he’s dating, despite the increasingly obvious warnings from the people around him.
His friends and family can see that she’s using him and crucially, he knows it too but still, he cannot bring himself to walk away. St up by the crunch of filtered guitar lines, the rattle of lively drums injects an instant sense of driving momentum as the track erupts with a flurry of gritty riffs and percussive energy. Theodor’s expressive vocals enter to spin catchy vocal leads above the exhilarating arrangement, resulting in a riveting slice of pop-tinged alternative rock packed full of gripping instrumentation and rousing vocal performance.
Stacked full of biting guitars, cut with a slick solo, commanding vocal performance and wrapped in impactful production, “Candy Smoking” serves up an anthemic musical experience from start to finish. It’s a thrilling rock ride that’s sure to win over fans around the world while confirming Romattic’s status as a must watch act on the rise in the alternative music sphere. As they continue to go from strength to strength on their musical voyage, Romattic are sure to leave their mark as a compelling new band with an exciting sound.
Listen to Candy Smoking below
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