Alaskan born, Los Angeles based alternative indie artist Ralph Castelli released his sophomore album, “Hope, Alaska,” on April 25. The twelve-track record pays tribute to Castelli’s backstory behind moving to Hope, Alaska, and his love for the city. Let us take a closer look at four standout tracks from the album.
“Why Are You So Uptight?”
This upbeat song captures Castelli’s blend of indie and pop genres through mixing soft instrumentals with catchy rhythms. The track opens with an uplifting feel backed with rhythmic guitar strumming that sets the lighthearted mood for the remainder of the song. The repeated line, “Aren’t you tired of being so uptight?” challenges listeners to reflect on their own emotions and whether they are bottled up. The second half of the song transitions to a soothing, mellow interlude that carries through to the end, creating a calming atmosphere.
“Iris and I”
Presumably a heartfelt tribute to his daughter Iris, Castelli opens this track with fast-paced yet gentle melodies. Castelli repeats the lyric “Iris and I,” emphasizing and highlighting the precious bond between parent and child. The other lyrics throughout the song further reflect themes of parental love and guidance, all backed by an expressive instrumental background of acoustic and folk-inspired elements that compliment the meaning of the lyrics.
“April”
“April,” another track that begins with a soft upbeat tempo, delivers light instrumentals and romantic lyrics. In the bridge of the song, Castelli sings “That we’re still, the warmth of your body / April, lay here for a while,” capturing a moment of deep intimacy and comfort likely between two people in a relationship. The interlude of this song also features a light, calming melody of guitar strumming that carries the listener into a moment of peaceful bliss.
“12 Feet Deep (feat. Gallant)”
Differing from previous tracks, Castelli’s album concludes with a haunting narrative-driven piece featuring R&B artist Gallant. The track paints a vivid scene of a pair of people venturing into the mountains, only to be caught in a deadly avalanche. The chorus builds into a powerful yet eerie crescendo, emphasized by heavier drum hits and layered synths. In comparison to the relatively more upbeat intro, a solemn instrumental outro follows, leaving the listener with quiet devastation.
Castelli’s new album offers a warm, introspective listening experience that invites listeners to sink into its comforting atmosphere. With its mellow instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics, “Hope, Alaska” serves as the perfect soundtrack for peaceful coffee-shop vibes.
