Album DescriptionAvailable in:
"Rocket" is a studio album by American multi-instrumentalist, (Sandy) Alex G, released 19 May 2017 on the Domino label. The eighth full-length release is the first under the expanded name for the Philadelphia-based artist previously known as Alex G.
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 81, based on 20 reviews, indicating "Universal acclaim".
User Album Review
Rocket comes with a significant bump in interest and attention thanks to Frank Ocean, who recruited Giannascoli to play on his two 2016 albums, Endless and Blonde. Now, (Sandy) Alex G has become widely known as “Frank Ocean collaborator (Sandy) Alex G” in headlines on music websites.
But Giannascoli’s work stands on its own, never more so than on Rocket, a 14-track travelogue of the 24-year-old’s varied interests. The album has been called Giannascoli’s country album, and there are a handful of songs that make prominent use of banjo (“Poison Root”) and violin (“Bobby,” the title track). No doubt about it, these songs leap from the speakers, thanks not only to Giannascoli’s generally easygoing way with a tune, but also violinist Molly Germer’s vibrant parts. Her rustic fiddle curlicues make “Powerful Man” one of Rocket’s highlights.
But the ever-restless Giannascoli never stays twangy for long. Just as often, his obvious Elliott Smith influence shines through, as on the dimly lit “Judge,” the stark and sinister “Big Fish,” and “Proud,” with its resolute pace and light keyboard touches. “Wish I could be strong like you,” he sings in the latter. “Wish I had something to prove.” For years, this has been Giannascoli’s primary lane, and he is perfectly comfortable here: weary, bittersweet, exquisitely crafted but eminently relatable.
He doesn’t seem satisfied with being a preternaturally talented indie-pop-rock singer-songwriter. He wants more. He wants to try it all. He’s as interested in misshaping a great song as he is perfecting it. Most of the truly great ones have that quality. (Sandy) Alex G seems headed that way.
Reviewed by Ben Salmon for pastemagazine.com
External Album Reviews
None...
User Comments