WEBSITE: http://mikerofe.comMYSPACE: http://myspace.com/mikerof
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/mikerofe
PURCHASE: iTunes, CDBaby
Mike Rofé is a singer/songwriter that I was introduced to recently. He's an artist full of a myriad of different tones, both lyrical and musical. Upon first listen, I wasn't struck by Rofé's music, texturally, but impressed at how each song on his most recent record, Hang On Romantic, maintained a consistent feel but jumped around like a rabbit in a leaf garden. Mike's music is, at its roots, very honest, well-produced, easy to listen to, and most importantly easy to understand because it is simple, happy music.
Rofé's Hang On Romantic draws influence from a number of important artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon and sometimes showcases abilities from these same talents. Barry Goldberg from Bob Dylan's stage band appears on Rofe's record as does Michael's brother Peter of the prestigious L.A. Philharmonic. Also on the record are Phil Leavitt of Dada, and Alex Del Zoppo of Sweet Water. With this, the record plays smoothly from start to finish as each track carries a personality of its own, spurred by the nuance of a variety of studio talents and Rofe's introspective humor.
Despite the influences Mike Rofé notes on his release, I thing this album will appeal to fans of an almost vintage 90s folk rock sound like Blues Traveler, Barenaked Ladies, and Bruce Springsteen whom, like Rofé, often creates a feel good party atmosphere. The point here is there is a focus on fun simplicity and it is executed beautifully. You'll find yourself mimicking Rofé's signature dipping melodies that hover around his modest guitar strumming which merely serves as the vessel that helps you hum and dance along. For me, Rofé's Hang On Romantic isn't an album you pull apart and dissect. You just put it on and let it do its thing.
"The Ocean" off of Hang On Romantic
FAVORITE TRACK: The Ocean, We've Got It All
FOR FANS OF: Bruce Springsteen, Barenaked Ladies
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