With a new EP on the way in the form of ROMA, Miami’s Hunters of the Alps, the solo project of Mario Giancarlo, gears up for the release with a new, touching single, “Naufragio.” The Lima, Peru-born artist/filmmaker’s handful of songs in his catalog since debuting in 2016 might contradict how much of a seasoned musician he actually is, having played festival gigs alongside everyone from Peter Hook to Bloc Party. However, in the case of “Naufragio,” Giancarlo sought to capture his experience aiding his mother after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
“The song was born, written, conceived upon realizing my mother would begin her journey into Alzheimer’s,” said Giancarlo. “Your world suddenly becomes a folder of collections and moments as you try to hold onto the memories that make up your relationship with a loved one.”
Always one to collaborate, Giancarlo partners with MillionYoung, a fellow artist from Florida and longtime fixture in the chillwave scene, in a collaboration reminiscent of their strong suits. The shimmering synths heard throughout certainly recall the inspirations that contributed to chillwave’s emergence in the early 2010s, taking after the glitzy sound of the 80s. But the element that evokes the most nostalgia is Giancarlo’s impassioned vocals, where his vocals cut through the production like the guitar in the second half.
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In the same headspace that the song itself was made, Giancarlo decided it would be fitting for the music video to be just as personal as “Naufragio,” complete with old VHS tapes from his family archives. The scattered vocals, meant to mimic a disorganized hard drive, feel like an invasion of privacy to watch due to how personal each clip is to Giancarlo. Alongside the song, the VHS footage becomes an equally compelling companion piece, serving as a testament to how much of his soul Giancarlo is willing to bear.
Every time Giancarlo has dropped new music through Hunters of the Alps in the past eight years, there’s always so much about each track to appreciate. Whether it’s his echoing voice or the consistently high-quality production, he has lots to offer when he returns. “Naufragio” and “Dry Run,” released in July, are no different, sharing a dreamy atmosphere that might be pointing in the direction of where ROMA will land. If that’s the case, then ROMA could be the kind of breakout that Hunters of the Alps deserves.
Words: David Sosa
“Naufragio” by Hunters of the Alps is out now on streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow him on Instagram.
