The Rotaries: Before Leaving

    Obviously a lot of good music comes out of New York City. The Rotaries could hopefully be added to that list. I am optimistic after hearing their debut album, Before Leaving, which came out in August of 2012. The previously released The Rotaries (EP) in August of 2010. So, if we're on schedule, look for a new album around August of 2014?  I guess I can wait that long, but I wish I didn't have to. There is one single that was just released in December, "Rust", so that's perhaps a good sign.

    The Rotaries are a trio comprised of James Rapp (vocals/guitar), Bernard Casserly (bass) and Danny Nosonowitz (drums). A simple old school combination to be sure, but effective in how full sounding and creative they come off. It also helps, I assume, that the latter two members sing backup vocals. Anyway, Rapp and Nosonowitz grew up together in Westchester, NY, went away to college in Boston, began playing music together, and when they returned to NYC added Casserly.

    How shall I describe their sound, other than immediately recognizing that they could cover The Strokes perfectly? Another blog, 12 Questions, wrote: "With freewheeling vocals, catchy hooks, and ringing guitars, overlaid with a dizzy layer of fuzz, the record radiates a youthful but refined energy." I think this is a perfect description, minus a few things. They lazily pull off laid back slower songs, with a kind of Young Buffalo feel. Also, I've seen them compared to, in addition to The Strokes, The Walkmen, Dawes, The Velvet Underground and The Beatles. I don't fully agree with The Beatles, The Rotaries are too post-punk rather than classic rock. And, I haven't (I probably shouldn't tell you this) heard of The Walkmen, Dawes or listened to The Velvet Underground. There goes any credibility I may have had, going to do my homework now.
    The Rotaries have one of the best songs of the year imo, "So to Speak". You can check it out over under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks', or continue straight on to their Bandcamp site, here, where you can enjoy the entire album, including a b-side track and other discography. Lay back and enjoy, these guys are a pleasure to listen to!