Forevermore
OMAD, 2023
9/10
The Massachusetts native, singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert LaRoche made quite an impression with his power-pop band The Sighs, who were most active between 1982-1996, and his solo work is equally memorable, where a heartfelt and hook-filled approach is always front and center.
The warm guitar and fluid rhythm section of the melodic “Steal Your Heart” draws us in quickly thanks to the smooth singing and inviting dreaminess, and “Burn That Kingdom” follows with an intimate appeal via the emotive vocals and soothing acoustic guitar.
The halfway point belongs to the richly textured and cautious “Safer Inside”, while “Temporary Virtue” welcomes elegant strings that complement LaRoche’s expressive singing in the very thoughtful delivery.
Nearing the end, the soaring “Traitorous Heart” carries an anthemic quality amid LaRoche’s catharic pipes, and “End Of Time” exits with a hazy, bare delivery of moody, mysterious song craft.
Joining LaRoche are Tommy Pluta (drums), Tom Borawski (drums), Zonder Kennedy (guitar), David Perales (violin), and Brian Standefer (cello). Together, they illuminate LaRoche’s forthright and vulnerable songwriting that touches on the human experience with the unique angle of being a lifelong musician with a penchant for honesty.
Travels well with: Peter Lewis- Imagination; Arwen Lewis- Under The Stars