Amy Larson
Staff Writer
Sometimes, the truth hurts. Some albums just aren’t good.
Such is the case with the newest release for Cleveland-based rockers Rosavelt. Though the band grasps for an original sound, the record lacks depth, intensity and vocal talent.
Rosavelt (made up of vocalist Christopher Allen, bassist Keith Allen, guitarist Jesse Bryson and drummer Miles Loretta) worked with producer Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens) on this album, which is their third studio recording.
“Story of Gasoline” is a 12-track disc that blends folk, rock and bluegrass, but unsuccessfully. Though elements of the music can sometimes reach the point of decency, at best Rosavelt is a regurgitated version of The Replacements trying too hard.
The disc begins with “Gasoline,” a track that plays for about 10 seconds before the band members change their minds. “I wanna do that different,” Allen declares, and then the song is started again.
This is just the first of many “mistakes” on the album – probably purposefully left in to make the music sound cool or quirky (or something), but leaves the songs sounding disorganized and the band sounding like virtual amateurs.
It’s hard to win approval for an album that simply doesn’t grab the listeners’ attention. The songs drag on, and when tone finally ends, the next song sounds remarkably like the one before it.
The tracks take the listener on a ride. However, this ride doesn’t possess the excitement or the ups and downs of a thrilling roller coaster. It’s more like a bland and dreary spin on the kiddie carts.
Despite the record lacking as a whole, “Story of Gasoline” isn’t totally devoid of merit.
One track, “Broken Little Heart,” shines brightly enough to bring some salvation to your eardrums (and your belief that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t dead). The song doesn’t fit in with the others on the album; it feels more like rock and less like folk. It’s a good tune that you may actually find stuck in your head later.
Rosavelt also reaches a high point lyrically. Allen’s lyrics cover a variety of topics, including loneliness, heartbreak and pretentiousness.
Full of tension, angst and hurt, it’s easy for a listener to realize that the lyrics on the record are sincere and heartfelt. However, the rambling Americana – almost rockabilly – melodies accompanying them do little to give the songs a consistent tone or feeling.
The sadness and poetry in Allen’s lyrics get buried beneath his raspy voice and Bryson’s monotonous chord progressions.
Though you’ll find a less-than-solid effort in “Story of Gasoline,” Rosavelt is rumored to have a remarkable live show. In fact, their performances are so well-known that they were recently chosen to bring their unique sound to a Kerry-Edwards rally in Ohio. At least they have something going for them.
Ultimately, Rosavelt comes up short with this lackluster record by trying to sound like a band that already exists.
Trust the critic just this once: Rosavelt is a band to be seen and not heard.
09-16-2004