Retini - Hear me now

​Retini

Hear me now
​self-released; 2022

By My Nguyen

Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Retini was raised in Queens, NY before going on to settle permanently in Bristol, UK. From early on, music has captured her. Having spent much of her adult life either at the piano or guitar, the artist is now more than happy to share her debut album Hear me now to the world. Once you hit play, you will immediately get the sense that Retini wears her influences on her sleeve. Growing up in New York in the ‘70s, she listened to a wide range of folk music that included Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Carol King, Laura Nyro as well as Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Simon & Garfunkel and more. In more recent years, Retini became enraptured by jazz sounds and all the great jazz artists both past and present such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, Sara Vaughan and incredible musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis just to name some. You can hear these artists in her sound. But don’t me wrong, Retini also adds something distinctively her own to these folk/acoustic takes. Her warm vocals and up-close-and-personal performances engulf audiences in a welcoming listening experience. At ten tracks, there’s tons to appreciate here.

Hear me now begins with “Streets of Paris,” where pensive strumming from the acoustic guitar comes in as well as Retini’s warm vocals. The vibe of this track was very introspective and relaxing all at once. The layers of electric and acoustic guitar made for a great sound. The mellow vibe of this track reminded me of what I would hear in a coffee shop environment. Synthetic strings, some lively percussion and piano reels us in for a sizzling jazz vibe on “Tu Es Libre.” Here Retini sings entirely in French. I was immediately drawn to the cool blend of flavors and sounds. On the title track “Hear Me Now,” some meandering piano melody arrives alongside some atmospheric synths. On this piano ballad, Retini’s emotive vocals take flight for a soaring sound. The instruments come together for an ambient sound. 

Some finger-picking on the guitar adds a bluesy riff to the sounds on “C’est L’amour.” Some piano also lights up the vibes. Next, Retini’s croons in French on this moving piano ballad. Strumming on the guitar reels in a warm acoustic vibe right away. Next, Retini’s folksy vocal harmonies carry on the sounds. Here, it really seems like Retini is wearing her heart on her sleeve as she throws herself into the music, singing in a very confessional vein. More piano arrives here for a lounge vibe on “My Town.” Retini’s vocals come across with a powerful and enigmatic quality. She includes tons of feeling here as her vocals create a moving vibe. I was reminded of Adele’s “Hometown Glory.”

“Milo’s Song” is another in the piano ballad vein. The tune is meandering here. As the sound builds, Retini’s vocals arrive and this track has a very lullaby vibe. It definitely feels like she’s singing to a little child as the soft and soothing vibes grabs hold of listeners. On “Believe In Love,” piano, drums and guitars arrive for a jaunty and rollicking rock sound. Add in Retini’s catchy and upbeat vocals and you get a fantastic performance that was a pleasure to listen to. More moody piano comes in for a riveting vibe on “Remember You.” Some synths also enter for an atmospheric sound. Retini sings with high-tail emotion. She reels you in with her moving vocal harmonies. This seemed to be a fitting way for the artist to close the album.

​The sound on this record is filled with pensive guitar and piano melodies and emotive vocals. There’s no doubt about it, upon first listen, you’ll immediately get the sense that Retini’s singer/songwriter vibe is the type of music that you’d usually find at a coffee shop or open mic night. Her folksy acoustic music has just the right amount of intimacy and warmth that will immediately make you feel like she’s performing these songs right in front of you. Moving and haunting all at once, this is a good intro to Retini’s sound and I definitely look forward to hearing more soon!

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