Rosetta West - God Of The Dead
Rosetta West, the Illonois based blues rockers are back with a blistering new album 'God Of The Dead'. A banger of album, 15 blues rock tracks that weave through themes of love, lust, surrender, mortality and journeying into the great beyond. Rosetta West shows off their range and versitility in full force here. From foot-tapping, rambunctous blues rock numbers, upbeat, introspective folksy ballads to eerie, immersive sonic experinces, each track has the ability to surprise & delight. "God of the Dead," is a sprawling collection of raw and wildly diverse gems, including strange blues rock, punk and funk, emotional acoustic songs, piano ballads, and searing feedback instrumentals. On this latest release, founder and songwriter Joseph Demagore handles vocals, guitars and piano. Mike Weaver takes turns with Nathan Q. Scratch on drums, and Rosetta West veteran Orpheus Jones takes over on bass. Guest appearances include bassist Louis Constant on “Midnight,” and drummer Caden Cratch on "Boneyard Blues." his is not an album you'll doze off to. It demands your attention and, in return, it will reward you with layers of emotional bandwidth and unexpected sonic turns. God of the Dead is a stunning, deeply independent declaration from a band that continues to forge its mythological path. The album opens with 'Boneyard Blues', that's got an instantly relatable AC/DC like rhythmic riff structure that engages you into their sound instantly. Bone crunching riffs, sliding guitar leads, and Demagore's raspy wild vocals make this a fantastic first track. 'Underground' continues the use of hypnotic guitar slides with the emotional quotient turned up to 11. It feels a plot-thickening kind of track, taking us deeper into Rosetta's wild & wonderful world. 'I Don't Care' has a refreshing change of pace. Happygo lucky, carefree and yet so very authentic. Under the perceived cheerfullness, lies a dormant hurt that's very palpable. Susanna Jones, a two part aching ballad, each distinctly different in expression and tone of voice than the other. Where Part 1 felt more aching and seeking, Part 2 is more soulful surrender and features some truly otherworldly instrumentation. Dead of Night, a hypnotic, introspective track. heralded with softer tender vocals soothing piano melodies, intriguing strings and tambrourine infused beats. One of the standout tracks in how deep and reflective it sounds. The lyrics speak to a deep longing, journey through dreams and consciousness. Thorns of Beauty is poetic and tender and expresses dealing with loneliness in a beautiful way. Mid-way, we're treated to an evocative piano solo. Brilliantly showing this Group's versatility 'Inferno' feels like being in the eye of the storm. You can sense the presence of a powerful energy all around yet right here in the centre, it's a few magical moments of stillness and presence. The final track, 'Midnight' presents a entirely esoteric and shamanic experience. It opens with otherwordly distortions, creaking, groaning like a mystical creature, previously unheard. Its eerie and fascinating simultaneously. It expands into a groovy rhythm, armed with immersive harmonies & Demogore's psychadelic vocals. Distinctly reminds the listener of Lep Zeppllin's lesser-known tracks. Ultimately, 'God Of The Dead' is a fascinating underworld blues-rock journey. It twists and turns magnificently, changing narrative and energy levels, before concluding in spectacular fashion. This is album that demands careful listening and openess to the supernatural. 'Dexter: Resurrection', the comeback season of the most prolific tv crime, thriller show, would be a fitting playground to host this album as its soundtrack. Its that fine balance between boldness, wildness, vulnerability and luncacy that we all appreciate so very much.