Hidden in The Honey is the latest release from Albany’s Atelo Songs. After performing across New York State for 15 years as Sam Gleason, Atelo Songs was “born” in 2020. According to the artist’s bio, embracing this new moniker was “marking a transformative phase in his artistic journey”.
Surviving an apartment fire, and an accident that would leave him with permanent injuries and brain damage requiring eighteen months of rehabilitation, Atelo Songs emerged as a “means of self-betterment and creative expression.” Atelo joined Albany Barn, an artist housing program, and has spent the last several years focusing solely on music.
Hidden in The Honey is interesting and artistic. There’s lots of substance to his lyrics and they are delivered with interesting melodies and smooth harmonies.
We all have those certain songs, albums and artists who have helped us get through trying times. Hidden in The Honey is an album about trying times and their aftermath. It sounds heavily influenced by Panic! At The Disco, almost as if it was their music that helped Atelo through his struggles. “Panic!” fans will hear lots of familiarities but it’s never copy-cat or cookie cutter. Atelo delivers his songs in his own style with a demeanor more Elvis Costello than Panic! At The Disco’s Brendan Urie.
Hidden in The Honey kicks off with the rocker “Not in The Mood”. Slide-Guitar and rollicking piano compliment the fast paced lyrics of the verses. The chorus is catchy and very relatable with Atelo singing that He’s “always trying to improve but today I’m just not in the mood.”
“Death Dead in The Eyes” has a Latin, jazzy sound. If Carlos Santana had invited Elvis Costello to perform a track on one of his collaboration albums, this may be the result.
“Go Meet The Trees” is a campy, sing a long song that sounds as if someone made a left turn leaving a Panic! At The Disco concert and ended up at a GratefulDead show. The melody sounds like it could belong in a modern day pharmaceutical commercial. Warning – You may find yourself singing along by the end.
The album’s final track, the trans-like “Final Door” closes with the line “There’s Nothing in Store” but there may be lots more in store for Atelo Songs. Don’t be surprised if You hear some of his music on modern rock radio or appearing on a movie soundtrack or in a Netflix series. Hidden in The Honey is a good listen and a musical journey, creative and striving for originality throughout, and may just take Atelo Songs from Albany to the national spotlight.
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