Rocky Votolato - Sawdust and Shavings
by Paul Waller
published: 10 / 4 / 2016

Label:
Glitterhouse Records
Format: CD
intro
Latest melancholic-fuelled mini-album from ex-Waxwing vocalist Rocky Votolato, which is a low key release with a high standard of tunes
This mini album kicks off in a somewhat understated matter. Opening track ‘Shortcuts’ doesn’t kick into gear until its final forty seconds or so. It’s surprising as being pleasant enough has never been part of Rocky Votolato’s repertoire. Luckily the missteps stop there. For the following five songs us lucky lot are in for a treat. The most earnest moment on this collection is ‘Sawdust and Shavings’ itself. It delivers with that mid-era City and Colour timbre and makes these first few listens far more convincing than Dallas Green has ever done. Saying that, ‘Royal’ plays a similar hand and once again completely satisfies, the backing vocal which simply contains some “oooooh waaa hoooo wooos” guides us through an empty house. The atmospheric hollowness within the natural acoustics of the recording are wonderfully produced here. In the space of three and a half minutes Rocky lays down not only the highlight of this record but maybe his career. It’s a lightweight masterpiece. It’s mellow, sure, maybe a tad sparse in places but it’s meant to be. One man and a guitar can take you to so many places and Rocky Votolato makes the most of this minimal set-up. Now about that full length…
Track Listing:-
1 Shortcuts2 Sawdust & Shavings
3 Hospital Handshakes
4 Royal
5 This Is My Work
6 Kids as Kids
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/rockyvotolatohttp://www.rockyvotolato.com/
Label Links:-
http://label.glitterhouse.com/https://www.facebook.com/GlitterhouseRecords
https://twitter.com/glitterhouserec
https://www.youtube.com/user/GlitterhouseTV
soundcloud
reviews |
Makers (2006) |
![]() |
Intelligent, soulful fourth album from the Texan-born Rocky Votolato, who stands out far above the ever growing bunch of current bleeding-heart singer songwriters |
most viewed articles
current edition
Spear Of Destiny - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Pistol Daisys - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Nils Petter Molvaer - El Molino, Barcelona, 24/4/2025
Credits - ARC, Liverpool, 17/5.2025
Gary Numan - Berserker
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Little Simz - Lotus
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Eddie Chacon - Lay Low
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart