Tommy Bravos, a distinguished Greek-American artist and composer hailing from Chicago, is renowned for his distinctive style that seamlessly fuses conceptual ideas with a rich mix of cultural and genre influences. His latest EP, “Everything Is Growing, Am I?,” navigates the crossroads of fantasy, nature, philosophy, and reality. The new record marks Bravos’s most ambitious project yet. Funded in part by a cultural grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, this EP represents a personal exploration and a communal venture. The inclusion of Uniting Voices Chicago’s Children’s Choir adds an evocative layer to the music, giving it a resonant voice that echoes the spirit of youth.

photo by TJ The Wizard

Listening to Tommy Bravos’ music, you will feel that Tommy taps into all sources of energy and explores what can be achieved with the factors that shape our identity. In the EP “Everything Is Growing, Am I?” Tommy Bravos masterfully reveals profound philosophical themes, including the notions of death and the rebirth of the self, which mirror the cyclical changes of the seasons on our planet. In today’s music industry, it is rare to encounter such an approach, yet it is precisely the right one. Tommy Bravos’ music is distinguished by its profound lyrics and unique concepts, seamlessly integrated into the framework of commercial pop music. Remarkably, this approach proves to be highly effective.

You can already hear this in the first track “Until Death,” where light keyboard chimes create a cloud-like atmosphere, and Tommy Bravos’ vocals float through gentle waves of strings and keys. This creates a majestic sound that slowly blends in with synth pads. This is where Tommy Bravos’ sound unfolds, mixing genres and styles. The track multifacetedly expresses the feeling of seeking joy that precedes self-transformation. Then, in “Worship Something Simple,” the synth pop sound with its groovy beat fully captures attention. I love how Tommy Bravos plays with contrasts, creating what I would call an elevated sound. The choirs impeccably complement the atmosphere and fully unfold in the track “In The Sun.” Crystal divine with vocal harmonies and the grandeur of classical vocals give chills. This is a track that sets the mood for reflection, inspiration, and holds attention until the very last beat.

A deep pop beat with cultural influences shines in the tracks “Me Ti Gi” and “Like No Other.” These are great commercial tracks that express his desire to explore conceptual themes through pop music trends. Undoubtedly, Tommy Bravos’ music is accessible to a wide audience.

photo by Charlie Young

The EP concludes with the acoustic track “Til Until,” where Bravos once again emphasizes intimacy. It truly resembles a reflection of the seasons, with the softness and blessing of spring contrasted with the cool and sharp beats of winter. I love how the last track completes the cycle and returns to the sound of the first track. This allows the album to loop seamlessly and mentally reflect on the theme of the endless cycle of life.

“Everything Is Growing, Am I?” by Tommy Bravos is a philosophical record, filled with questions about the eternal and the incomprehensible. There are six tracks, each imbued with distant starlight and love that warms the soul. But have we ever asked ourselves what lies behind these melodies? What mystery is this album trying to unravel?

Perhaps, Tommy Bravos aimed to emphasize the importance of the journey each individual undertakes to reach their goal. Tommy Bravos’ music sounds like an echo of the past intertwined with contemporary rhythms, inviting us to reflect on the connection of times and what it means to grow in this world.

This album can be listened to in solitude, diving into your own thoughts, or shared at noisy parties, allowing the music to unite people. Whatever atmosphere you choose, the EP “Everything Is Growing, Am I?” is already available on all digital platforms. Don’t miss the chance to touch eternity.