With the aid of the David Nance Group backing her up, Rosali harnessed the power of deep, raw introspection to create a record of pure catharsis. No Medium is as bare, sharp and real as it gets.
Rosali, a singer-songwriter known for her work in bands like Long Hots and Monocot and as a solo artist, wrote this LP in 2019 while holed up in an isolated farm house in the south. So its self-reflective themes are arriving at perhaps the best time, as we all have had time to reach our own inner-epiphanies, thanks to the pandemic. Listeners may be able to now better grasp and appreciate Rosali’s meditations on facing her personal demons, which she does so on this record in the most impressively poetic and melodious way.
On songs like “Whatever Love,” Rosali leads crisp Neil Young-like guitars and lulling harmonies through swaying and wistful melodies that are endearingly catchy. While the lyrics in this particular track describe how the speaker is ready and comfortable with herself to be open for all that comes with loving a former flame. This sense of romantic confidence is bolstered by the lead guitar work, which absolutely sparks with assuredness and a warm attraction. Rosali’s playing here and all across the album conveys the emotion of each lyric on a level that goes well beyond the ability of words.
Another fine example of the instruments doing the talking, is the explosive “Pour Over Ice.” The lyrics deal with the frustrations of alcohol problems, but the volatile fuzz guitars that howl throughout the song truly make you feel the chaos of a nasty drinking habit, and the desire to pull oneself out of it. It takes a special kind of artist to be this honest and real with both her vocals and the sound of her instrument of choice.
Bold, honest and unquestionably strong, No Medium might just be the finest, and most compelling and sincere hour for both Rosali and the David Nance Group. Be sure to pick up your copy from Spinster Sounds today (seeing that it’s supposedly the final Bandcamp Friday ever).
-KH
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