Rosetta West’s Night’s Cross is a dive into the murkier, more contemplative corners of blues rock, where mysticism meets hard-edged riffs and every note hums with restless energy.
Hailing from rural Illinois, the band crafts a sound that fuses psychedelia with world folk influences, all wrapped in a smoky, lived-in authenticity. Their latest effort is a natural evolution from last year’s Labyrinth, but this time, the themes of mortality and the unknown weigh heavier, and the music follows suit—darker, grittier, and more urgent.
From the first track, “Save Me,” you’re pulled into a world where blues riffs bite and drums splash with raw intensity. Joseph Demagore’s voice is a mix of feistiness and warmth, flipping effortlessly between charismatic swagger and tender reflection. His delivery is unpredictable, hooking you withsomething that keeps you hanging on to every note.
By the time you hit “Alligator Farm,” the album takes a turn for the wilder—the track is all shimmering guitar rhythms and a rhythm section that jangles like rattling bones. The low rev of the bass mimics a reptilian lurking growl, while Demagore playfully belts out “Salvation” with an almost taunting joy. The backing vocals add an eccentric, soulful depth, making the track a strange yet hypnotic standout.
Then there’s “Underground Again,” where the Southern twang in Demagore’s voice thickens, grounding the song in something deeply personal. His vocals, rich and impassioned, ride over a warm, flowing guitar melody that feels both melancholic and comforting. The entire album carries this duality—grit and grace, contemplation and rebellion, shadow and light.
Night’s Cross is Rosetta West at their most introspective, yet it never loses the punch that makes them so compelling. Check it out on Spotify.
KEEP IN TOUCH:
TWITTER | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP | YOUTUBE
Review by: Naomi Joan