New single by Rosetta Fire: "Shakedown"

1 of 2

Readers of "Hot Music Live" will not, I imagine, require reminding of my admiration for Rosetta Fire: so equally they'll not be surprised to hear of my considerable pleasure at being asked both to review their forthcoming single "Shakedown" for this magazine but also at the generous offer of the track for inclusion on the next volume of our new project "Hot Music Live Presents": so I must start this piece with huge thanks to the band (who are of course Anthony Gliddon (on vocals & guitar), James Lapworth (guitar& vocals),  Emily Knight (bass),
Matt Ball (keyboards),  Andy Wheeler (drums) and  Kev Stanley (cajon)). It is impossible to conceive of a project seeking to reflect the best in current Coventry & Warwickshire music which does not involve this group, one of the top bands currently active in that area: though of course Rosetta Fire are fast becoming nationally known & in fact are off on a national tour next month with "Hot Music Live Presents" stars Chasing Deer in support (see a review of their album in HML from December 8^th 2018): isn't it great to see such talented artists from our local scene carrying the flag in this way? The nearest gig to the "Hot Music Live" heartland is at the Coventry Empire on February 9^th: I hope many HML reading fans of both bands can make that.

Available on all platforms from 8^th February , "Shakedown" is of course the follow up to much praised "Last Road To Rome" (reviewed in the magazine by HotMusicAl on October 19^th 2018) and prior to that, the "On the Line" EP (reviewed on September 10^th 2017). It's not just the writers in this magazine who tip them for greater success either: many local media including BBC Coventry & Warwickshire have been singing their praises for quite some time now.  

Produced by Speak, Brother's Matthew Cotterill (who also works with Joe Dolman among others) for Jamin Records, "Shakedown" certainly builds upon the finely honed Rosetta Fire characteristics noted in those previous reviews without retreading past glories. Thankfully this band have the nous to take what they are good at & use it as a framework to say something they believe in in a way which communicates effectively with their audience. The production is brilliantly clear (with musicianship this good there is nothing to hide or blur over: the trick is to enable each element to shine clearly in its own right as well as part of the overall picture). In fact, once again, a very central facet is the band's confidence in working the dynamics throughout the song to increase the impact. Another powerful & memorable number which fits well into their canon, nevertheless there are some quite quiet sections showcasing Anthony's voice (which is obviously one of their strongest cards) and serve to counterpoint & make the louder parts that much more effective. Like all their best work the song is infectious & verges on the anthemic without (again thankfully) going too far & sacrificing finesse. I expect this one will pretty quickly become a live favourite: let's hope it gets the airplay & sales on a similar scale.