Pino - memento

Weekly Music

Pino has emerged as a prominent figure within the new upcoming Toronto underground music scene, capturing attention with his unique sound and angelic vocals. Over time, his music has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into something truly exceptional. I have witnessed firsthand the growth of his reach and the increasing quality of his work, as it has gradually started to resonate with a vast audience. Since the beginning of 2022, Pino has been making waves in the underground scene, getting him placements on editorial playlists and shaking up the underground. In early May, Pino released a two-track combo called "memento." The standout single from this collection is undoubtedly "Pendulum," which also offers a sped-up version. Within less than a month, this track has garnered over 100,000 streams, solidifying its place as the primary song off the tape. Meanwhile, the other track, "forlorn," remains somewhat underappreciated. Personally, I find "forlorn" to be more captivating, with its hard-hitting production and Pino's delivery that strikes a deeper, more impactful chord. The instrumentals set a distinct tone and atmosphere throughout the track, and Pino carries this energy seamlessly until the end. The melodies and harmonies displayed in the song are truly exciting, making it nearly impossible not to sing along. Pino's mastery of melodies and his flawless flow are on full display, delivering an unforgettable performance. His distinctive voice and cadence, combined with his artful production reminiscent of the early 2000s, have carved out a unique lane that he continues to explore. Beyond Pino's individual success, there is a thriving R&B collective in Toronto that is making significant strides and releasing some of the best music coming out of the city. Pino’s collective consists of members like Avenoir, YMX, EB3N, and several others. It is truly inspiring to witness a community and a movement taking shape around their shared passion. Especially in a city as unforgiving as Toronto, the impact of this new underground wave is undeniable. What began as a close-knit group has expanded and diversified over the past two years, giving rise to multiple distinct groups and fostering an environment that encourages new talent to emerge. The Toronto music scene may be facing its challenges, with the loss of talented rappers, but now is the time for the city to showcase its true colors and talent as well as its diversity in music. Pino, in my view, is among the first artists set to go to the next level, becoming an example in the journey of artistic growth and recognition.

Written by Maxim Bayarsky