Review: Rosali at Eulogy
After traveling some 7,000 miles across the eastern and southern United States these past few weeks, the rockers of Rosali felt that they had finally arrived at what bandleader Rosali Middleman called a “good place.” That spot on April 5 happened to be Asheville, the singer/songwriter clarified — more specifically in the warm and cozy Eulogy, a recently renovated brick-and-mortar space on South Slope’s Buxton Avenue that proved a near ideal host for these ethereal artists.
What seemed to begin in a dreamy and angelic state became beautifully laced with the sizzle of classic and innovative electric guitar riffs played by James Schroeder, thunderous bass from David Nance, and the wonderful comforts of far-ranging click-clacks banging upon a dynamic set of drums facilitated by the hands and feet of Kevin Donahue. Middleman’s lead vocals summoned an awakening through a paradoxical lullaby, and the marriage of the natural flirting intently with the mysteriously elusive supernatural. Strangely and pleasantly cohesive, this pairing made sense with the reverberation gingerly and intensely roaring through the hardwood floors.
The set lasted a bit over an hour, which included an encore featuring two additional songs to satiate an already engaged and mesmerized audience. Rosali certainly received roses and admiration journeying through fireplace moods as a tight knit band. Unafraid of showmanship, the band revealed impressive technique and commitment to bravery, beauty, magnetism, and also seemingly well calculated restraint.
Rosali is a vibe and groove band that allows the space and air for proactive meditations into the wild world of our human confines, while simultaneously grounding with delicate and piercing singer/songwriter prowess consistently in the forefront. If you inquire as to the best description of the mood I found myself mostly carried by, I would have to liken the experience to a friendly yet enthralling mosh pit upon a grassy green field.
Rosali happens to be the most welcoming and comforting live band I have borne witness to in quite some time. The diversity and consistency of their sound rings bells for miles. If you should find yourself anywhere in close proximity to a venue holding space for this Philadelphia-rooted band, I recommend you consider holding space for them.
(Photo by Kevin Evans)
