Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: 2005 Reviewer: Jason Morelyle |
Resistor (2004) is A.J. Rosales’ third release, and follows the Earth and Shoal EP, released in 2001 and the well-received Fatigue (1997). If Resistor is about anything, it’s very much about musicality, about intense acoustic experience. The opening tracks ‘Prophecy’ and ‘Union’ both capture your attention and set the stage for the rest of the album, which is overall very strong. Rosales’ vigorous acousticality, bolstered by his resonant vocal stylings on every track except three, dominate this album from end to end.
Rosales’ style might be best described as folk-rock with undercurrents of jazz, blues-rock, jam, and even classical guitar. The lyrics are smart and unaffected, and work well with the acoustic and electric guitars, percussion and piano, all of which he handles on this album. The title track and its counterpoint, ‘Transistor,’ are both highly textured, dynamic instrumentals that draw attention to both his technical skill and innovative talent.
I would unquestionably recommend Resistor to any acoustic guitar fan, especially if you enjoy so-called classic examples of acoustic-influenced guitar fireworks. In a recent interview, Rosales described his style as “rock music run through an avant-garde folk filter†– and it’s funny, but in a way some of this reminds me of Trey Anastasio, Nick Drake or even Ellis Paul and John Pizzarelli; what definitely comes to mind is the renowned Leo Kottke, Adrian Legg, and even acoustic Led Zeppelin – think, for example ‘Ten Years Gone’ or ‘Rain Song.’ Although not my usual fare, Resistor is a very good album, and we can only hope that we see more acoustic pyrotechnics from A.J. Rosales in the future.
Buy Resistor from iTunes >> 
