SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DANIEL ROMANO’S OUTFIT – TOO HOT TO SLEEP

DANIEL ROMANO’S OUTFIT
TOO HOT TO SLEEP
YOU’VE CHANGED RECORDS

Too Hot To Sleep is Daniel Romano’s first studio since 2022’s La Luna, which was also credited to Daniel Romano’s Outfit. There was, however, a Spider Bite album (The Rainbow And Dove) released earlier this year. Spider Bite features Romano, his brother Ian (who also drums for the Outfit) and Steve Lambke. Romano and his brother have yet another side project/band, Ancient Shapes, which has a much harder sound than is typical for Romano. It seems that Too Hot To Sleep is the link between Ancient Shapes and The Outfit. Too Hot To Sleep is a very powerful album full of energetic rock songs. Fans of Daniel Romano’s  oldcountry records are in for a surprise with this album.

Since their last album, there have been some changes in the Outfit, but the core of the Romano brothers remains the same. And perhaps that is for the best as this is a tour de force of power. From the opening track to the closer, Romano and company blast their way through ten songs that are more like ten forces of nature. The songs are well-played, arranged just rock. Ian Romano’s drumming is out of this world, and he taps into some of his Ancient Shapes riffs, but truthfully, in some songs he outdoes himself. For example, the rocking “That’s Too Rich”, which features incredible drumming.

Yet the album has some diverse styles and influences. At times it borders a bit psychedelic rock, such as “You Saw Me In Sunshine” and “State Of Nature”. These are very welcome resting spots for the album, but that is not to say the album is the same throughout, quite the opposite, but it is relentless at times. Romano is tapping into mid-1970s hard rock, but with some Beatles harmonies thrown in for good measure. It is really hard to categorize the music on this album. There is a lot going on in every song. Listen to the closing track, “Generation End” which features dueling guitar solos that seem to grip the listener in between the strings. It is the perfect closing track for the album.

Romano knows how to write and record pure rock songs. Too Hot To Sleep is a good example of this talent and skill. For this album, he has let loose and allowed himself the luxury of simply rocking out. A lot of credit goes to the band as well. As mentioned, some members have changed since their last album, but they have a solid sound. Carson McHone, Ian Romano, Julianna Riolino and Roddy Rossetti. Ian and Daniel wrote the music, and all lyrics are by Daniel. In that sense, it is a collaborative effort.

Romano keeps his fans guessing. Over the last few years, he has continually surprised his fans with his numerous projects. He is very unpredictable but in a very good way. One has to wonder what is left for him to do musically. Right now, in the depth of winter, it is great to have Too Hot For Sleep.

Artist Links