With Singing to Serpents, emerging artist Cello (Marcello Valletta) delivers a bold, emotionally charged project that pushes beyond traditional genre lines while tapping into the confessional storytelling driving much of today’s alternative and hip-hop crossover space. Across nine tracks, the Pittsburgh-based singer-songwriter crafts a sonic landscape that feels as intimate as a journal entry and as expansive as a late-night stream of consciousness.
From the opening moments of “Stay Here,” Cello establishes the album’s central tension: the pull between connection and collapse. Built on hypnotic repetition and atmospheric production, the track captures the urgency of modern relationships, blending vulnerability with a restless, almost chaotic energy. It’s a compelling entry point into a project that thrives on emotional immediacy.
That same tension carries into “Elevate,” where Cello explores ambition, identity, and self-perception through icy imagery and sharp, rhythmic phrasing. The track leans into contemporary hip-hop aesthetics while maintaining a melodic undercurrent, reflecting the hybrid sound that defines much of the album. There’s a push-and-pull between confidence and uncertainty that keeps the listener engaged.
One of the project’s most striking moments arrives with “Sucks to Be Used,” a track that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. Its blunt refrain and confrontational tone highlight the complexities of modern relationships, offering a perspective that is both abrasive and revealing. In an era where authenticity is currency, Cello’s willingness to expose flawed emotions works in his favor.
Mid-album standouts “Pray” and “Faith” shift the focus toward introspection and spiritual questioning. “Faith,” in particular, anchors the project with its recurring line, “I need strong faith in my abilities,” blending personal affirmation with deeper existential reflection. These tracks showcase Cello’s ability to move fluidly between themes of love, self-worth, and belief without losing cohesion.
Elsewhere, “Cravings” and “Full Moon” expand the album’s sonic palette. Both tracks lean into atmospheric production and vivid imagery, creating a cinematic quality that elevates the listening experience. “Cravings” captures the intoxicating pull of desire, while “Full Moon” introduces darker, more volatile elements, emphasizing transformation and emotional intensity.
Closing track “Sleeping” offers a softer, more reflective conclusion. The energy settles, allowing space for vulnerability to take center stage. It’s a fitting end to an album that consistently balances emotional highs with moments of quiet introspection.
What sets Singing to Serpents apart is its commitment to authenticity. Cello doesn’t attempt to polish his narrative for mainstream appeal. Instead, he leans into the imperfections—both sonically and lyrically—creating a project that feels lived-in and immediate. His background as a poet and performer is evident in the album’s structure, which prioritizes expression over formula.
As genre boundaries continue to blur across the industry, Singing to Serpents positions Cello as an artist to watch in the alternative space. The project’s fusion of introspective lyricism, hybrid production, and emotional transparency aligns with current trends while maintaining a distinct voice.
For listeners seeking music that resonates on a personal level, Cello offers something increasingly rare: unfiltered honesty delivered with creative ambition.
–Billy Broderick