Artist: Rodellos Machine Album: Rodellos Machine Review By: Dan MacIntosh San Diegos Rodellos Machine is a breath

of fresh air. The opening moments of Rock under My Feet, suggest an acoustic Pearl Jam, as singer Nate Donnis is dead ringer for Eddie Vedder. However, you wont hear any of the harder rock grunge-ish sounds normally associated with Pearl Jam. Rodellos Machine is a duo that also features Kolby Knickerbocker. Both Knickerbocker and Donnis sing on the acts self-titled EP. Furthermore, they each collaborate on the lyrics for these six songs. Knickerbocker produced and mixed the work with Brian Karscig. While each man plays guitar, Knickerbocker also chips in bass, percussion, keyboard and piano. Although not explicitly religious, there are nevertheless spiritual elements sprinkled throughout these lyrics. Rock under My Feet may well allude to the New Testament description of Jesus as a rock. Lila is a sweet love song to a girl perhaps a young girl. It includes the admonition, Let your light shine, though. However, the one song that is most spiritual of all is Beauty of Your Life. The track rolls to a gentle, finger-picked guitar part. I have seen a miracle, Donnis announces. He goes on to note the many blessings in his life. He even quotes from the famous hymn Amazing Grace. He sings these words, yet to an entirely different melody. Three Weeks to go is the most sonically appealing song on this recording. It begins with a layered, wordless vocal intro, before going into an acoustic reggae song. The songs lyric speaks to the anticipation of a beloved girls arrival. Images of weather are used to express the difference between a girls absence and presence. The weather just gets better when were with the ones we love. The majority of these songs are about girls. In fact, Lila is even named after one. Its lyric is filled with encouragement, and even references Eleanor Roosevelt. This is a girl thats always beautiful, even when shes sad, the words tell us. Shes encouraged to love herself and not give in, as its sung over a finger-snapping acoustic groove. While acoustic guitar work looms large during this recording, you shouldnt get the impression that it is by any means sparse and under produced. Rock under My Feet may be a relatively acoustic track, but it also features wonderful strings from Marta Zulodova and Melissa Barrison, who bow sweetly one moment, then pluck percussively the next. Its a song that builds momentum as it goes. Its also a song saturated in joy that just makes you feel good. It ends with a winning vocal/string interplay section, which sounds a little bit like the Beach Boys meet Roy Orbison, which is a fantastic combination. While Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam is the first comparison to come to mind, the relaxed

vocal that drives Pause is a lot like Dave Matthews more subdued, thoughtful moments. The track features some nice acoustic guitar strumming and harmony vocals. Sails, the song that closes this work sounds like its sung by Knickerbocker, as it is sung in a higher register. Once again, this track ends with quite the musical build. While this duo may be a relatively stripped down unit, that doesnt mean the act isnt musically ambitious. There is a touch of Fleet Foxes orchestral vibe running through this final track, as well as others on the disc. These six songs are all excellent, and hold up well, even after repeated listening. Rodellos Machine is a name that might suggest something precise and mechanical upon first glance. If thats the case, the music created is like the ghost in the machine as this is very much a living, animated vehicle. There is just so much to like about these two talented musicians. Perhaps indie greatness is calling. Review By: Dan MacIntosh Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)