Millanta is firmly embedded into the Austin music scene since moving there in 2012. A scene that prides itself on being inclusive, forward thinking and embracing a cultural aside. This comes across in the ten tracks on the album that are mainly self-written by an artist who adds the notch of being a recently published author to her repertoire. However it is the musical side of her creativity that is pushed to the fore here and succeeds as a captivating piece of work complete with an alternative twist in parts.
One familiar name listed in the co-writing, playing and producing credits is Gabriel Rhodes, known for a lot more than just being the son of Texas legend Kimmie Rhodes. While he and the other participants have no doubt played a significant part in making this record, you are wholly immersed into the deep rooted and pondering world of Giulia Millanta throughout the half an hour duration
The vocal and instrumental production retains an appealing trait throughout as the album meanders from a fairly straightforward opening into a slightly more left field core before slipping away gently with a return to convention. While there is no killer track to lift this album into a lofty stratosphere, an engaging and satisfying opening trio of 'Castle in the Clouds', 'Tomorrow is a Bird' and 'In a Dream' do more than enough to win a listener over. You wouldn't be adrift in anointing the title track as the standout song, but its doesn't soar head and shoulders above it peers.
From the moment 'Sugar Home' heralds a change of tempo, you feel a sense of Millanta's creative energy taking charge and the subsequent trio of 'Animal', 'Kiss You Goodbye' and 'Breathe' move the listening experience into slightly experimental territory. Maybe this is where the literary genes take over and the ideas guide the music. However, arranging the song order into these two zones keeps things alert and spiced up.
The remainder of the album sees a return to a more conventional feel with 'Quiet Fight' and 'Violet' before the ironically titled 'Unconventional' gracefully brings things to a low key end. Throughout, you feel in the company of an artist finely schooled in making fascinating and accomplished music.
TOMORROW IS A BIRD is an imaginative and stimulating album, one befitting the Austin mantra and those who use the location as a base to fuel their ideals. Giulia Millanta makes delightfully accessible music with an edge to challenge and refrain from predictability.
More can be found on this album by accessing its Bandcamp page.
