Rocky Votolato is no newbie to the indie scene. As a founder of the acclaimed band Waxwing, he has always been in a certain spotlight. However, some of his songs just did not work with the sound of Waxwing, and he took the opportunity to pursue a singer-songwriter career.
I’d say that’s worked out pretty well.
In his latest release, “Makers”, Votolato gives us a sweet, compelling, pleasant sounding folk album, with an indie twinge. His compassionate voice comes flowing in so perfectly throughout the entire album; just listening to it gives you a simple feeling of warmth and relaxation.
The album has its fair share of happy, sad, and ponderous songs. He even changes perspective in the same song (Portland Is Leaving), going from “love is the only answer / everything else is just a trainwreck” to “love’s a trainwreck / you’re a mistake”. Regardless, his lyrics are honest and from the heart, and you feel like he’s practically talking to you about relationship issues you’ve had.
Most of the songs are just the acoustic guitar and his voice, though some of the occasional cymbal, a country-sounding electric guitar, background vocals, and even a lovely harmonica on “Portland is Leaving”.
Rocky Votolato continues to be a part of the same crowd as Iron & Wine, Owen, and Elliott Smith, but he still manages to have his own unique sound and thus put him on his own pedestal; a very Rocky one. (har har har.) |