Rosie Flores & the Talismen – Impossible Frontiers
This lady is the daughter of San Antonio, Texas — a 5-decade presence in Austin (home of her backup band The Talismen), L.A. & Nashville. The distinctive Rosie Flores (vocals/guitar) summons delightful melodies from the get-go on her latest project. A product of cowpunk, rockabilly, Western swing, & traditional country bravado through the Tex-Mex rock mix of the late Doug Sahm. Rosie is a progenitor of good music, & good lyrics.
But what makes her special is that you can hear the joy in her vocals. Her personality shines through each of the 10 delicacies prepared for Impossible Frontiers produced & mixed by Ed Stasium (Dropped Sept 26/Independent Mule Kick Productions/35:55).
The infectious “Lines” (the first single) opens the album, then moves into the catchiness of “Just Another Fool.” Rosie’s roots begin to seek water in the traditional soil of the impressive Everly Brothers cover of “So Sad” (with drummer/vocalist Chris Sansat). There’s the expressive upbeat “Who’s Lookin’ For Me,” “I’ve Got a Right To Cry,” & “See You Again,” — all splendid stuff.
But I keep returning to the enthusiastic style Rosie Flores manages to convey through her consistent vocals. She’s a fun listen & the musicians who accompany follow with melodic determination. Typical of a band with good cosmic Americana material to display. “I’ve Got a Right To Cry” is a dancehall charmer with a Leslie Gore edge in its lyric wrapped up tight in a spirited country surge.
There’s some silliness & vintage asides among the tunes, but that’s the entertaining swipe of the genre, so just allow Rosie to carry you away from your frustrations & anxieties. I did.
Highlights – “Lines,” “Just Another Fool,” “So Sad,” “Who’s Lookin’ For Me,” “I’ve Got a Right To Cry,” & “See You Again.”
Musicians – Mike Molner (electric & acoustic guitars/harmony), Michael Archer (upright & electric bass), Emily Gimble (piano/organ), & DJ Bonebrake (vibes).
Color image courtesy of Todd V. Wolfson. CD @ Bandcamp & https://rosieflores.com/home/
