Rocky VotolatoTrue Devotion
Barsuk Records [2010]
Fire Note Says: This one will tap your emotions.
Album Review:
Elliott Smith had a great voice and one that you instantly were drawn to. He also was very passionate and always sang from a mental perspective that wasn't always easy to take because lyrically it hit deep. Rocky Votolato is the same type of singer/songwriter and on True Devotion, his third solo record for Barsuk, he shares the same passion and vocal style, that will immediately grab your attention and quickly having you reach for the repeat button upon conclusion. The record itself covers low points in his life, as he has had a lifelong battle with depression and following the release of The Brag & Cuss [2007] he eventually cut himself off from the outside world and worked on overcoming his demons. True Devotion is the stripped down and mostly acoustic version of that story, which covers where he has been, where he is now and where he is going. The record was almost recorded entirely on his own and it's tone reflects that personal touch. The key thing about True Devotion is that even though the subject matter can be tough, such as suicidal thoughts in the album opener, the record progresses and reveals a healing process that listeners can relate to. Votolato is still an emerging talent and although True Devotion may not get the airplay it deserves, I could see these emotional tracks carrying the record in my playlist throughout the year.
Key Tracks: "Eyes Like Static", "Sun Devil", "Red River"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Elliott Smith
David Bazan
Tim Easton
Official Rocky Votolato Website
Rocky Votolato MySpace
Rocky Votolato Facebook
Barsuk Records
-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta
1 comments:
nice review glad you like rocky. he's amazing. it's his 6th full length though.
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