Rosetta West’s “Snake 25” is a slow-burning, shape-shifting beast of a track—six minutes of mysticism, tension, and pure hard-rock grit. It begins in an eerie haze, guitars weaving an almost hypnotic spell before the drums come crashing in, shattering the mood and sending the song into a whirlwind of furious energy. Joseph Demagore’s voice is raw and enigmatic, delivering Gnostic-laced lyrics with a rasp that feels both ritualistic and deeply personal. As the track builds, the guitars get sharper, the drums more relentless, and the whole thing spirals into a feverish, chaotic surge—until it all eases into a shimmering outro, like coming down from a wild, otherworldly vision. It’s haunting, it’s heavy, and it demands your full attention.
Then there’s the B-side, “Oh Mary,” a rustic and hypnotic counterpart to the storm that came before. The song bursts open with bright, glistening guitars and a rhythmic pulse that feels almost like a heartbeat. Demagore croons and wails, his voice swirling through the mix like smoke, while the music sparkles and rustles around him, organic and untamed. It’s a sharp contrast to the tension of “Snake 25,” offering a more open, expansive sound—but still carrying that signature Rosetta West mysticism.
There’s something magnetic about Rosetta West, with him bringing in bluesy grit, psychedelic textures, and ancient-sounding mysticism and spurning them into something completely their own.
“Snake 25” and “Oh Mary” together make for an intoxicating listen, proving once again why Rosetta West remains one of underground rock’s best-kept secrets. You can uncover them on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan