Anni Rossi - Rockwell (4AD)
4/5
By: Sofie Jenkinson
On first listen Rockwell hints at familiar sounds gone by as Anni Rossi's vocals remind ears of all obvious comparisons. The idiosyncratic noises scattered throughout the album as well as her tendency to treat her vocal chords like an instrument pull heart strings in the memorable direction of Spektor as on 'Machine', whereas the well timed yelps and screeches hit the same off-kilter tone as Newsome.
The feisty, punchy 'Wheelpusher' is an illustration of the beautiful use of layers that can be heard throughout the album; the deep, violent Cello contrasting with her gorgeous vocal melodies, whereas 'Las Vegas' showcases Rossi's clear, ruddy vocals with a charming twang. The presence of the cello continues throughout the rest of the album adding darker colours to the palette, often resulting in vibrant and beautiful contrasts.
After having time to sit, Rockwell starts to take on a shape of its own. Raw, certainly and experimental often, it frequently takes you by surprise. More off beat like a jazz sandwich than an ill advised teenage band, but certainly not all neat little melodies tied up with ribbon. That said, there is a certainly similarity to each small work on the album, something which offers an element of familiarity throughout its course but also takes away from some of the charm of certain parts of what Rossi does. So many of the tracks echo of the simpler raw beauty of vocalists gone past such as Joni Mitchell whereas the cute, gutsy lyrics have more modern roots.
Rossi's music is not easy to pigeonhole and although often reminiscent of other sounds offers a refreshingly off-kilter and welcome difference in her overall sound.
Artists in this article: Anni Rossi
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