Gameblood
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The Belfast, Ireland singer-songwriter Lee Rogers returns with his heartfelt and tender version of song craft that takes help from Paddy Lavin (drums), Simon Francis (bass, programming), Colm McClean (pedal steel, guitars), Gareth Dunlop (guitars, piano, synth, percussion, backing vocals) and some very special guests on backing vocals.
“Everytime” gets the listen off to a dreamy start, where Rogers’ smooth and subtly gritty vocals guide the expressive folk-rock that balances power and melody in a song about his wife, and “Silent Song” continues with flowing intimacy that’s quite soulful in its thoughtfulness.
Further on, “The House” benefits much from a stirring, cinematic approach that’s even got a hint of psychedelia, while “Haunted” is a more firm and thicker presence of roots rock meets ominous Americana in a Tom Waits sort of way.
Nearing the end, “Won’t Find Me” emits much warmth and radiates sublime beauty, and “Barefoot In The Basement” exits the listen with help from Foy Vance and Nathan O’Regan on the vocally eloquent and musically vulnerable finish.
Rogers wasn’t in the best place emotionally when he began this record, which is certainly evident from the introspective nature of the songs, and like everything in his catalog of work, he displays wise storytelling with rawness and substance in his thinking person’s brand of folk rock.
Travels well with: Drunken Prayer- Cordelia Elsewhere; The Lied To’s- The Worst Kind Of New