A Determinism of Morality by Rosetta
LABEL: Translation Loss Records

In an era where bands from across the globe are flocking to the 'post-rock' flag, the ranks are becoming thicker and the individuals less distinct. Few acts seem to be able to rise above the others and take their place among the forefathers of the movement. While Rosetta have remained one of the dominant acts in the genre, it is painfully clear through the vague beauty of A Determinism of Morality that they have spent a lot of effort in distancing themselves from their influences without using the most effective tools for the job.

The positive and most striking elements of the new record are its tenacious energy, streaming guitar lines, and more focused songwriting. Musically, it feels more like a new-wave, post-hardcore hybrid than a capitulator to the contemporary scene. The songs are shorter and faster than their last two full lengths, and the emphasis is on intensely gorgeous guitars washed in reverb, building a dense environment of emotion. Everyone has stepped up to the plate with their musicianship. Rosetta have created an album of essential listening for the connoisseur of dynamic power.

But while their last LP, 2007's Wake/Lift, was bathed in roominess to the point of almost becoming shoegaze, a distinction that set it apart from other post-rock acts, the production on A Determinism of Morality is more straightforward and generic. Vocalist Michael Armine is still deploying his Aaron Turner-ish growling, which seems to be growing more out of place with the bands more melodic direction. The restrained beauty of the middle vocals on 'Release' stand as an indicator of possibilities but they are quickly, and unfortunately, dropped for the rest of the record.

Rosetta are obviously conscious of their comparisons to bands like Isis and Explosions in the Sky, but their attempts to grow outside of these confines fall too short on A Determinism of Morality to pave the way for drastic evolution. In spite of these shortcomings, the band is still demonstrating their desire to push outward and beyond the predictable genre confines, and it keeps them tall above the rest of the flock content to retread every move the trendsetters make. Rosetta began their own solitary journey with Wake/Lift, and still hold the skills to elevate them among the greats, but their potential is running out of opportunities to assert itself.


REVIEWED BY NEIL LEVENS
NEIL’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Renew” • “Release” • “Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin”