“AMARanto,” (EQS Musica) is the latest instrumental album by Julyo. It is a masterfully woven sonic tapestry that draws from the rich cultural mosaic of the Mediterranean and South America. Rooted in the dual meaning of its title—derived from amar (to love) in Spanish and referencing the amaranth flower, a symbol of immortality—the album is a celebration of timeless beauty and connection and a heartfelt tribute to the places that have inspired its melodies.
The project features eight instrumental tracks, each acting as a sonic postcard from a specific location. From the Ligurian coastline to the shores of North Africa and across the Atlantic to Brazil, each composition captures not just geography but also emotion and identity. Julyo’s virtuosic guitar work and carefully curated arrangements speak directly to the spirit of each region, evoking landscapes, traditions, and human stories without the need for words.
“Andora”, the album’s opening track, paints a vibrant portrait of the Italian seaside town. It glimmers with Mediterranean light, with gentle rhythms that sway like the tide under a summer sun. The blend of nylon-string guitar with soft percussion gives the track a breezy, almost nostalgic texture—like watching boats drift past the medieval Castello di Andora.
“El Far” brings a different kind of serenity. Inspired by the Garrotxa region in Catalonia, this piece leans into ambient textures and distant echoes, evoking the contemplative silence one might feel standing at the Santuari del Far, gazing across rolling hills and volcanic formations. The song features artist Cheri Moon on vocals and film scoring composer Dario Rodighiero on bandeon and melodica.
“Ariana” and “Annaba” dive into North African influences. “Ariana” uses subtle modal scales and oud-inspired phrasing to represent Tunisia’s rich cultural depth, while “Annaba” feels more dynamic and port-city spirited, nodding to Algeria’s historic maritime legacy with rhythmic complexity and a sense of movement.
A true highlight, “Irmã de São Paulo”, offers a cross-continental dialogue between Genoa and São Paulo. Built around rhythmic layers that reference Brazilian samba fused with Italian melodic sensibilities, it stands as an emotional bridge, emphasizing global unity through shared cultural roots.
The pastoral charm of “Aldeia do Bispo” shifts the album into a more grounded tone. Here, acoustic simplicity reigns, evoking imagery of rural Portuguese life—slow mornings, cobblestone paths, and whispered winds over sunlit hills.
“Palma [Spain]” returns us to the sea, with flamenco-tinged rhythms and luminous phrasing that channels the vibrancy of the Balearic Islands. The album concludes with “Eddalya”, a moody and cinematic finale that captures the mystery of the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s a sonic meeting point of continents, rich with layered strings and undulating percussion. The song features Simona Smirnova on kanklės.
“AMARanto” is more than an album; it’s a curated experience, a soundtrack for the traveler within. Julyo manages to express the emotional DNA of a dozen cultures through melody and rhythm alone. For lovers of world music, instrumental storytelling, and heartfelt musicianship, Amaranto is a timeless listen—one that, like its namesake flower, will not fade.
For PR, please reach out to Hector Álvarez at halvarez (at) eqsmusica (dot) com
