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Anni Rossi
Rockwell
4AD/Beggars Group
I don't often toot my own horn, (because it's a super weird thing to do) but I have to have a bit of a honk for this one. I attended a Noah and The Whale show in Toronto, a few weeks back and was delighted to discover opening act Anni Rossi. Based in Chicago, this twenty-three year old woman is musically wise beyond her young years. Standing alone on stage, with nothing but a viola, suitcase, microphone and her robust voice, Rossi commands the stage creating an atmosphere both haunting and magical.
Yes, it sounds syrupy, but it's true. I don't know a whole lot about the viola, but because of Rossi, I've learned that it is quite possible to actually rock the viola. Switching from traditional play, to plunking it like a banjo, then strumming it like an acoustic guitar, there's no telling what she'll come up with next. So long as she doesn't pull a grunge rock fit and smash it, I'm happy.
Imagine that, and then imagine her on a vintage suitcase stomping her right foot for percussion. For someone who has a hard time eating a hotdog with condiments, this is an incredibly impressive feat. Her voice is strong but feminine and her songs are thoughtful and lyrically provoking. Following her debut EP Afton, full-length Rockwell was released this past March. Her cello appears on this album as well, adding meatier strings to fill corners. The best tracks on the album belong to ‘Wheelpusher’, 'Venice' and her Ace of Base cover of 'Living Danger'. Don't get me wrong, there is a place in music for Ace of Base, but Anni does Ace of Base, well, better than Ace of Base. Oh one last thing, she recorded this album in one day.
If she can push her way out of the dark indie hipster corners, this girls star will rise to Feist-like proportions.
