Localized music: Anni Rossi's Rockwell
In contrast to her excellent, endlessly promising 2008 EP, Afton, Anni Rossi’s full-length LP, Rockwell, eschews certain creative self-indulgencies. Gone for the most part are the Chicago-based viola player’s vocal eccentricities—Rossi’s endearingly excitable screams became Afton's calling card. Additionally, Afton’s more diverse, eclectic instrumentation (bassoon and lo-fi synth sounds) are replaced by a more focused musical sensibility, in which Rossi hones in on a calmer vocal style and more basic arrangements.
Of Rockwell’s 10 tracks, four are carried over from Afton. The new songs here reflect Rossi’s newfound artistic vision and, as such, tracks like “Glaciers” manage to stun with austere, simplistic beauty. The new versions of Afton’s “Arctic Swing” (“Machine” on Rockwell) and “Ecology” are more disciplined—see: the clearer fidelity of the piano. But, ultimately, Rockwell is a peculiar disappointment that simultaneously enlightens and confuses—the clear improvements come at the expense of Rossi’s charming, quirky musical personality. “Machine” showcases a Beatles-esque sense of song-craft, but because Rossi’s vocals show more restraint, she sounds less passionate than on the previous version. Still, Rockwell succeeds on the whole, with the deft rhythmical shifts of “Wheelpusher” connecting clearly with listeners. But why fix something that wasn’t broken in the first place? Grade: B
Download Anni Rossi's "Ecology."
Anni Rossi covering Radiohead's "Creep." Rossi also plays the Hideout on April 3.
