Search - Rocky Votolato :: Suicide Medicine

One of the best newcomers to the solo acoustic field

Steven Liddicoat | Portland, OR | 10/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thank God for Rocky Votolato.



In this era of Chris Carrabba, it seems that every man under the age of 30 who can play acoustic guitar has suddenly decided that they have suffered years of emotional oppression and that, damn it, they are ready to tell the world about it. Behind a nearly tangible wall of tears and embarrassing emotional out bursts naturally. This degree of "emo" lyrical content and cliché tracks about the girl who broke your heart has absolutely saturated the world of solo man with guitar music.



Enter Rocky Votolato who thankfully brings a completely mature attitude to the plate. Maturity however, doesn't mean he sacrifices any emotional power. He simply delivers this power intelligently without embarrassing himself or anyone else. His voice is powerful and bleeding emotion, but it does so without whining or breaking. He sings with such conviction that he is demanding your attention, and you are grateful to give it. What's even more welcome is that he is singing about more than relationships. There are more than one kind of heartbreak in this world and Rocky understands that. Topics such as death, politics, abuse, addiction and many other degrees of heartache and suffering are all covered with compassion and overwhelming insight. He also understands that from every dark period in life there is hope on the other side. He fills his songs both with the sense of loss and pain associated with such hurtful topics, but he also instills hope and optimism.



Ultimately this is one of the best albums in recent memory and anyone who enjoys simple but powerful music owes it to themselves to give this a look."

Always amazing

lesjocilj | san francisco, ca | 03/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this new album by rocky is great. it's different than all his other ones, it has a much more political, vibe which is good considering the times. ALL of his prior releases are amazing as well. you should check out his self titled album and "burning my travels clean." most of his early albums are just him with his guitar, like his self titled, amazingly beautiful and "burning" is his first cd with a band. I am from seattle and have seen him live about a 100 times. he is great live and on cd. BUY IT."

Simply beautiful in all the right ways

eric v | lawrence, kansas usa | 11/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"years ago, i was blessed to play a show with rocky in lawrence kansas. he sings of truth, beauty, pain, life & love, and so so much more. he's definitely ahead of his time, melodies and a voice that make you cry while you smile, like he's talking just to you. don't hesitate to buy all of his records, they are all wonderful. if you have to start somewhere, i would recommend suicide medicine first, the light & sound ep is absolutely terrific as well. take a day or night to let it all sink in, you will be hooked."