If you’ve been tracking the captivating underground pulses of blues rock that venture beyond the ordinary, you already know Rosetta West — that rare band from Illinois who’ve been weaving psychedelia, world folk textures, and spiritual mysticism into their music since the ’90s. It’s always a joy when they surface with new work, and with “Gravity Sessions,” recorded live at Chicago’s iconic Gravity Studios, they’ve delivered a vivid snapshot of their enduring, fiercely independent spirit — stripped back, yet rich with soulful depth.
Recorded mostly live with Doug McBride at the helm, ‘Gravity Sessions’ captures Rosetta West at their most authentic, laying down fan favorites with a raw immediacy that studio polish often dilutes. Let’s take a deep dive into each track and the themes they carry:
Already the album’s standout lead single, “Dora Lee (Gravity)” opens the record with a hypnotic blend of blues rock grit and swirling psychedelic undertones. Joseph’s vocals float effortlessly between soulful crooning and an almost mystical chant, pulling you into a story that feels both personal and universal — a tale of longing and magnetic attraction. The guitar work here is expressive yet controlled, with subtle, reverb-laden riffs that dance over Herf’s groovy bass pulse. Mike’s drums provide a steady heartbeat that grounds the song while allowing space for the music to expand and breathe. Doug McBride’s production here is masterful, balancing warmth with clarity, capturing the band’s live energy in a way that feels intimate.
“Suzie” follows with a tender, folk-tinged blues groove that feels like a whispered secret. The lyrics gently explore themes of nostalgia and spiritual connection, weaving mysticism into a human story. Joseph’s vocal delivery is nuanced and heartfelt, painting Suzie as a figure both elusive and essential. Instrumentally, the song leans into acoustic textures with subtle psychedelic flourishes—light percussion, soft bass lines, and shimmering guitar chords that shimmer like light through a prism. The live recording atmosphere adds to the song’s authenticity, making it feel like a late-night conversation by a fireside.
With “Broken Glass,” the mood deepens into darker, more intense territory. The lyrics speak to fragility, shattered illusions, and the quest for healing beyond pain — spiritual wounds made visible. Joseph’s voice takes on a raw edge here, a combination of vulnerability and grit, perfectly matching the song’s emotional weight. Guitar riffs are sharp and fragmented, echoing the imagery of the title, while Herf’s bass anchors the turbulence with a steady, melodic line. Mike’s drumming is more pronounced, driving the tension forward without overwhelming the song’s nuanced shifts. The production captures every crack and shimmer, giving the listener the sense of witnessing a live catharsis.
The fourth tack feels like a true invocation; a sonic meditation on the unseen forces that connect us all. Lyrically steeped in spirituality and mysticism, “Deeper Than Magic” invites us to look beyond the surface, to dive into profound emotional and metaphysical depths. Joseph’s vocals are haunting and hypnotic, layered over gentle yet persistent guitar arpeggios. The rhythm section moves in subtle syncopation, creating a trance-like groove that feels simultaneously ancient and timeless. The production shines in its spaciousness here, allowing every note to resonate with clarity and intention.
“Save Me” shifts the energy with a blues rock urgency that feels both desperate and hopeful. It’s a plea for redemption and guidance, wrapped in vivid spiritual imagery. Joseph’s delivery is impassioned, his voice soaring and pleading with a raw intensity that grabs you. The guitars crunch with a slightly distorted tone, adding grit and power, while Herf’s bass and Mike’s drums lock in a compelling groove that propels the song forward. McBride’s live capture keeps the moment tense and immediate, as if you’re witnessing a prayer being sung in real time.
Closing the album, “Baby Doll” offers a delicate balance of sweetness and mystique. The lyrics evoke tender vulnerability intertwined with cryptic spiritual symbolism, a recurring Rosetta West hallmark. Joseph’s voice is softer here, almost lullaby-like, while the guitars shimmer with subtle psychedelic effects that evoke a dreamlike state. The rhythm section is understated, giving the song a floating, ethereal quality. The production embraces this mood beautifully, wrapping the listener in warmth and quiet reflection.
“Gravity Sessions” is more than just a record — it’s an intimate communion with a band that has long championed artistic authenticity over commercial convention. The live recording approach lets the raw magic of Rosetta West’s performances shine through, reminding us why their loyal fans hold them so dearly. If you’ve never journeyed into their mystical, blues-infused world before, this album is the perfect invitation to step inside. For the longtime devotees, it’s a treasured reaffirmation of the band’s unique place in the underground music pantheon. In a music landscape often too polished and predictable, Rosetta West remains a radiant anomaly — a reminder that true artistry is about soul, risk, and spirit. “Gravity Sessions” is a testament to their enduring power to connect, captivate, and transcend.
Listen to the “Gravity Sessions” album on Spotify
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