“DORA LEE (GRAVITY)” (Video) By Rosetta West

The blend of hard blues rock and psychedelic mysticism with some soft undertones is what the band Rosetta West is renowned for. Once again, they don’t disappoint in their new single “Dora Lee (Gravity)” which is to be released on “Gravity Sessions.” Getting access to spa treatments with a splash of passion and spirituality, chaos, and raw power is how I would describe "Dora Lee.” Currently, it can be found on all major streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, allowing Rasetta West’s fans to ignite the fire that their music encompasses.

“Dora Lee” hits in a nature reminiscent of a slow tease and culminates in a storm. The immense and ever-so-familiar gritty guitar strums ripping through the aura are a signature of Joseph Demagore, receiving foundation from Herf Guderian’s thunderous bass alongside Mike Weaver on drums. The energy showcased in this piece can only be described as an electrifying live wire coming from such a blatant recording studio in Gravity Studios, Chicago. The unrivaled passion and intensity in "Dora Lee (Gravity)” serve as a reminder of why one-take recordings are cherished.

Equally as striking, perplexing, and visually engaging as the music is the music video. It welcomes the viewers into an odd and psychologically disturbing reality in which a malevolent tank commander is spellbound by otherworldly feminine entities, including Ishtar, Hecate, and Kali, which showcases a bizarre blend of mythologies. This ritualistic fever dream is fully embraced by the band as they dive deep into surrealism, juxtaposing symbols through metaphors like war and worship, destruction and desire, and using imagery that is not easy to fathom. Everything you expect from a Rosetta West production: haunting, theatrical, and uncompromisingly original.

Since the 1990s, Rosetta West has proudly labelled itself as a fierce independent band, comfortable in the margins, separating mysticism and rebellion side by side. This band doesn’t care about commercial expectations and cultivates identity where world folk, psychedelic rock, and even ritualistic percussion all collide. Their sound, rooted in the blues, stretches beyond genre boundaries. They’ve never been afraid to explore themes of spirituality, myth, and the metaphysical unknown. Decades into their journey, the band is still willing to take risks, which shows through “Dora Lee (Gravity),” a stunning continuation of their legacy.

The band is still spearheaded by founder Joseph Demagore, whose raspy yet elegant voice twines threads of obsession, collapse, and transcendence. Longtime collaborator Jason X was not credited on this track, but his contribution as co-producer and sound designer of Rosetta West’s catalog is essential. His untouchable skin-tinged musical mythos is completed by nameless drummer Nathan Q. Scratch, who has never been photographed. It’s a group with layers of musical, visual, and spiritual, and “Dora Lee (Gravity)” is a perfect distillation of that identity.

For those unacquainted with Rosetta West, this release is a grueling yet invigorating entry point. It was created to command active listening, consideration, and, honestly, multiple viewings to appreciate its nuance. But that’s precisely why the band is relevant in a world of shallow hooks and instant gratification. “Dora Lee (Gravity)” stands as testament to Rosetta West’s enduring unorthodox mysticism offset by unrelenting amplifiers. Make sure not to sleep on this one and stream it on YouTube, Spotify, or any music platform. This is blues rock with a soul older than time, and a vision sharp enough to cut through the fog.

Written by Manuel