I don't know if it's the album artwork, or the music itself that has been tugging at my subconscience, reminding me of '50s classics.There's a little part of me saying Wheezer or Cracker, with a subtle hint of swing, shaken, not stirred.I played Rotoglow's self-titled album for my father, and he heard "Sleepwalk" in the song, "You Can't Get Much Better."I also shared the album with a coworker, who picked up on what he called a cartoon feel. He was thinking Speedracer or the Archies.Don't let that deceive you, though. There's a definate "rock" feel to Rotoglow.

Rotoglow's album is a tightly-woven harmony tailored like a Zuit-Suit rambling between my ears. There's an astounding amount of power behind Andrew Hellier's clear-toned voice that is especially noticable as he bounds around on stage while performing live.Likewise, Conrado Bokoles' bass lives and breathes as he dances a distinct shuffle with his guitar as a partner.

You can't really compare Rotoglow's harmonies to Fidel's use of mixolydian scales, but you can say both are very unique. Part of me wants to call Rotoglow's palatable sound "friendly rock."I don't think I could put them in the same sentence as Spinebelt or Dead Leaves (like I just did.) It's not your heavy, scream until your vocal cords spew chunks of gravel brand of rock.

I have learned that when the guys of Julian Fist tell me I'm in for a great show, that they're right. When they bring a band in to open for them, I have yet to be disappointed, and I will not be skipping any of their opening acts if I can avoid it.Andrew is a powerhouse performer vocally, and a dynamicly entertaining energy on stage. None of the Rotoglow band members stand on stage expecting the music alone to capture the audience... though it would.Andrew explained that regardless of where they play or how many people are in the audience, they're up there to play for themselves. The joy of performing translates into the participation of the audience when a performer shows just how much they love what they do."It took a long time for the band and I to learn to play for themselves and not expect a pay day," Andrew commented after the show.

I knew, even before the first note was struck, that I'd have a new band to obsess over, due to the simple fact that every band in the house that night (technically there were 4, including Capitol Air) expressed extreme respect for one another.During the show, members of each band were right up front for the others' performances. After the show, Andrew applauded Scott (of Julian Fist) on his ability to pull "impossible" sounds out of his equipment. Scott in turn praised Andrew's "tight" performance.

Photos of the night are available in the photo gallery.