Anni Rossi – Rockwell

April 2, 2009

It’s been about two and half years since my first post about Anni Rossi, Chicago singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire, on a tip from Shearwater drummer, Thor Harris. Since then Anni has really become a rising star. She has signed to 4AD records (Beirut, The Mountain Goats, TV on the Radio), released her debut album Rockwell, last month to much critical acclaim, and made a big splash at SXSW. I’ve been listening to the album myself for the last couple of days and I can attest that the increased attention is not undeserved. She has certainly grown as an artist and commands a much fuller sound while still retaining the fragile, eccentric qualities that made her demos so unique.

The opener of Rockwell, “Machine”, is a great introduction to the Anni Rossi. It’s amazing to hear the evolution of the song from the awkward (yet still charming) demo that I previously posted to this incredibly nuanced and skillfully recorded (by Steve Albini, no less) version. The song highlights all of the subtleties of Anni’s vocals as well as well as orchestral beauty and infectious melodies in her music. “Wheelpusher” is another great track which shows off Anni’s mastery of the viola, her instrument of choice. Her ability to strum, pluck, and bow the viola approaches Andrew Bird-like virtuosity. I also absolute love the rich, multi-layered strings. It reminds me of James Newton Howard’s score of The Village (the best part of the movie if you ask me). If you enjoy artists like Regina Spektor, Joanna Newsom, and Feist, this will be right up your alley. Grab the album at 4AD Records / emusic.

MP3 Machine
MP3 Wheelpusher

Read more praise at YANP, Pitchfork, Drowned In Sound, MOKB, Yellow Stereo.

Posted by Taylor in Artist Spotlight