“Bite Down”, the Merge Records debut of Rosali, finds acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Rosali Middleman in the midst of transition. Written after moving to North Carolina from her longtime home of Philadelphia, “Bite Down” is a searching, hungry record by an artist who is resolved to bite down on life, in all its horror and joy.
She is joined here by Mowed Sound David Nance (bass, guitar), James Schroeder (guitar, synth), Kevin Donahue (drums, percussion) and in studio by Destroyer collaborator Ted Bois (keys). “Bite Down” is Rosali’s second album working with Mowed Sound, and there is urgency and ambition in their collaboration a band pushing each other not just to expand on what they’ve already done together, but to break through into altogether new territory.
It’s hard to talk about Rosali’s music. Songs that reach outward like this, but then constantly disarm with their intimacy. Songs that long for a sense of peace and songs that want romance, all on equal footing in the same plot of earth? Performed wild, but always centered around the incredible lyrical calm that is Rosali’s voice.
This new Rosali album is real good, and while this particular tune doesn’t fit it, talking about the album does allow me to share a new theory I’m cooking up in my head thanks to listening to music from the 90s a lot more than I’d care to admit, but anyways, here it is: we have all underestimated the impact Natalie Merchant had. Not a slight in any way, just noticing it more and more. Anyhow This is such a perfect closing track to a really solid record. Love that for us.
The Fat Angel Sings 