“GRAVITY SESSIONS” By Rosetta West (Album)

Rosetta West's “Gravity Sessions” speaks like a glowing ember. The band in Chicago was known for their unique blend of several genres, from blues rock, world folk, and even spiritual mysticism. Rosetta West has successfully managed to stay outside the mainstream industry, and that overpowering independence is reflected in the raw, primal energy and passion of the performances recorded on this seven-track album. The album was recorded in Gravity Studios, Chicago, with Doug McBride as the producer. “Gravity Sessions” is a tribute to Rosetta West's deep-rooted musical heritage, artistry, and a rediscovery of cherished music revitalized with a new energy and presence.

“Dora Lee(Gravity)” unofficially opens the album. The track mesmerizes the listeners with the spectral slide guitar. Just like the following music video on YouTube, “Dora Lee” has a striking bluish undertone to it, accompanied by rich Joseph Demagore’s voice, which is weathered and soulful in a spiritual sense. The unique quality of “Dora Lee” consists of fusing psyche-blues emotion along with folk storytelling. The combination intrigues and hypnotizes the listeners immediately, making them want to explore even closer to the world of Rosetta West. The band's timeless approach to structure and tone may be reasoned to have no rush or overproduction. Demagore’s guitar work spreads his wings here and free, switching between stunning chord progressions and fluid solos that somehow feel both off-the-cuff and meticulously crafted.

“Suzie” recalls the essence of searing guitars drowned in the voiceless word of classic blues: dim ventilation, amber air, and haze. Following up and switching to a darker confession-like mood is the emotionally surging track of “Broken Glass (Gravity).” The rawness and emotion channeled within the song represent fragility, heartache, and healing that ache. This is the most exemplary track that displays Rosetta West’s talent in genre fusing and sonic experimentation without straying too far from the grounded atmosphere and earthy feel. Rosetta leans harder into the folk and psychedelic roots of the band, emphasizing the polished textures and off-kilter rhythm to intensify the haunting charm.

The midpoint of the album, “Deeper than Magic (Gravity),” is arguably its metaphysical center. Featuring lyrics aligned with the band's enduring fascination with mystical themes, the song “Spellbound” feels mellifluous, like a soothing chant. The performance resonates effortlessly, yet emphatically, as if the band were tapping into something beyond musical boundaries. With mesmerizing guitar melodies and subdued percussion that work together to draw the listener deeper, this moment, which stands out from the rest of the record, is hypnotic. Much like the album, this song is both intimate and vast, encapsulating the feeling of a whisper carried by the wind across the vast desert.

The “Save Me (Gravity)” track escalates the intensity as we witness Demagore’s most emotionally bare state. The influence of the blues can be heard throughout, underscored by ragged vocals, a scorching rock solo features echoed motifs from classic rock while still retaining the band’s underground essence. There is an explanation for the raw lived experience, the emotional intricacies woven within the song. Amidst the relentless emotion of the lyrics, Demagore retains the sense of separation, bound within the band’s tightly controlled interplay. Once again, like in the previous track, each member raises the focus of intensity, but none surpasses the song's emotional core.

“Baby Doll (Gravity)” adds some much-needed levity. While still retaining Rosetta West’s rich sense of atmosphere, that track and its groove pulse with warmth and swagger, almost being upbeat.  The band knows what joy feels like after submerging themselves in mysticism and sorrow. Guderian’s bassline strutting through the track pulses with warmth while grit retains its grip, grounding the track’s danceable essence. “Venous Blue (Gravity),” the album closer, is a highlight.  A slow-burning, emotionally dense piece, Gold Gravity Sessions ventures its listeners full circle. Instead of hopeless somberness, the cues feel resignedly contemplative. It feels and sounds like the band made it through the peaks and valleys, capturing the Human condition’s journey, emerging with quite the clarity. The seldom echoes as the track fades and lets the listener's edge witness something sacred within raw essence.

Whether longtime followers or new fans, all will find the compassion of great interest in Rosetta West. The album is a reminder of the band’s captivating essence, which epitomizes their unique structure, and is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and other platforms. It is an album that is greatly recommended to stream and for collectors, a must-have. These tracks go beyond simple songs, they are manifestos from a creative entity that has true endurance. In a drowned world of overalghory seasoned music, “Gravity Sessions” are a reminder of what defines great music. The creativity displayed is unparalleled and raw. It is the type of music seasoned artists play when they have raw emotions to display and everything to let go of. Rosetta West has never been a band to jump on trends; they stick to the spirit, and as displayed in "Gravity Sessions," they show true devotion to that path.

Written by Manuel