Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

Rosetta West, the blues rock band from Illinois, returns to the wide underground, one-of-a-kind stage with their new release. We’ve previously covered albums ‘Night’s Cross’ and ‘Labyrinth’, and those who enjoyed them as much as we did have been eagerly awaiting new music. And now, that moment has come: for long-time fans and for those only just beginning to discover the unique, unmistakable artistry of the band, Rosetta West presents their new album ‘God of the Dead’. The album features 15 tracks and, in my view, stands as one of Rosetta West’s most emotional and profound works to date. On this record, Joseph Demagore, founder and songwriter, takes charge of vocals, guitars, and piano. Mike Weaver and Nathan Q. Scratch alternate on drums, and longtime Rosetta West member Orpheus Jones takes over on bass. Guest musicians include bassist Louis Constant on ‘Midnight’ and drummer Caden Cratch on ‘Boneyard Blues’.

As a result, the album is incredibly varied, full of different influences, energies, and Rosetta West’s own vision. But most importantly, ‘God of the Dead’ is held together by a single thread and a single idea, the very one that sets Rosetta West apart in the independent underground scene. Rosetta West’s music is rich, sometimes strange and unusual blues rock, often laced with gothic and romantic themes, ballads, punk, and funk. In the hands of the band, these elements bloom like black roses, and their surreal, at times uncanny sound feels like thorns wrapped around the stem of this seductive flower. It draws you in. It intrigues. Dangerous beauty!

This is pretty cool, and you can hear it in their new album, because the music industry is oversaturated with templates, and the listener, constantly absorbing the same kind of music, stops caring who made it, what it is. Bands like Rosetta West help shake off that deep sleep and hypnosis created by the mainstream. That’s why Rosetta West, to me, is a symbol of creative freedom, a symbol that music as an art form, as creativity and self-expression, will always exist. That’s exactly why I recommend everyone to listen to the new Rosetta West album, to discover a sound that truly awakens, gives a sense of creative inspiration, and maybe even helps rediscover rock music, or discover a whole new genre. So I suggest starting the listen right now.

The album opens with the first track ‘Boneyard Blues’, and it’s an incredibly groovy blues rock piece with powerful guitars and a very gripping atmosphere that lets you enjoy the bold and great sound of Rosetta West. ‘God of the Dead’ carries a light gothic touch, and I like how Rosetta West play with this theme, revealing it from a different angle, completely avoiding darkness in favor of a concept of movement, beginnings, and a more philosophical approach, which became clear to me through ‘Underground’. I really like the passion, strength, and energy in ‘Town Of Tomorrow’. The lyrics are very interesting and create a real storyline in the mind, which continues with the next song ‘Susanna Jones, Pt. 1’, as if introducing the main character into the narrative. The vocals soar, and Rosetta West creates a new kind of sound that comes across as something unusual, something that breaks the previously established tone. It’s quite conceptual and really grabs your attention, sparking curiosity about what comes next.

I’d like to highlight the track ‘My Life’ with its flawless guitar riff, light percussion, drums, and a very energetic, theatrical vocal. ‘My Life’ feels like it’s made of slow-burning, beautiful passion that bursts into flames by the chorus and yes, it gives goosebumps. Rosetta West truly managed to create a very minimalist and seductive sound. Then comes a moment of calm and ballad in the songs ‘Baby Come Home’ and ‘Summertime’. These tracks form a deeply melancholic moment, a pause to look around and reflect on what really surrounds you right now, offering a gentle break from the more energetic songs.

After that brief pause, the sound on the album ‘God of the Dead’ seems to shift slightly: new, darker, more hypnotic tones appear, a more mystical sound, like in ‘Inferno’. It is a very unusual, experimental track with stretched, humming instruments that merge together and create something close to ambient. And this gives a chance to feel new emotions and discover Rosetta West in a different way. Very cool. After the dark and mystical ‘Inferno’, it is time for ‘Susanna Jones, Pt. 2’, the second part of Susanna’s story. This closes the story in the album from one side, but from the other it allows the listener to continue it mentally, to add their own details, to reflect on it. This makes ‘God of the Dead’ very emotionally rich. And I really like this approach, because it takes a lot of inspiration. In ‘Susanna Jones, Pt. 2’, the guitars merge, take on new rhythms, a new mood that has not appeared in the album yet, and it is truly great and memorable.

The album closes with the track ‘Midnight’, which begins with a foggy, dark intro that rises and falls like waves, eventually pulling all attention in when the guitars unfold into a surprisingly warm blues rock. ‘Midnight’, with a length of 6 minutes and 23 seconds, is the longest track on the release, and it is here that Rosetta West’s unique and personal sound fully comes through, grabbing you instantly. And I can say this is my favorite track on the album. Wow, that was cool. I’m sure you’re also left in that same great mood, full of strong inspiration after listening. So make sure to save your favorite tracks and follow Rosetta West on social media, because I’m sure we’ll hear even more revelations, experiments, and energy from Rosetta West in the future.

Hi Rosetta West! Thank you for making such amazing rock music. I really dig how you’re not afraid to take risks, that alone makes you cool as hell. And the way your music pulls together so many vibes, sounds, and ideas? It just works. All of it works so well around your style that it creates a powerful concept and makes you truly unforgettable. I had an amazing time listening to ‘God of the Dead’, and I think on repeat listens I’ll discover even more details that slipped by the first time. That’s what makes it so layered, something you really want to dive into. I’m definitely going to share your release with everyone-everyone people need to hear such unique, vibrant music. This was seriously cool. I love it. I’m your fan!

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With much love,
Soundville