Rocky Votolato has been a busy man of late. He released last year's Makers to wide acclaim and only just recently re-issued A Brief History with his long time collaborators at Second Nature recordings. This brings us to his latest musical foray. The Brag and Cuss is Votolato's sixth album since he began releasing his solo material in 1999, and it is arguably his most polished effort to date. The record delves more into the country/ alt-country sound that he has been slowly exploring on his records; and, if his live show is any indication, it looks as though he will continue this trajectory.
Starting off slow and sure, "Lily White" shows off the harmonica styling and slide guitar that peek at the listener on Votolato's albums. The Hammond B-3 adds a nice touch, even if it is a bit buried in the mix. Votolato gives a real strong vocal performance with some of his more powerful vocal melodies this side of "Light and Sound" (See 2003's Suicide Medicine). "Postcard from Kentucky" contains some vivid lyrical imagery. "Before You Were Born" is a deceiving track. It is a more upbeat song but still keeps quiet and reserved. The Hammond B-3 organ gives a nice added touch to color the song well. The chorus of "The Wrong Side of Reno" should have even the most jaded music listener singing along with Votolato and company. It's tremendously catchy and tuneful. It contrasts with the measured verses very well and prevents the song from becoming total ear candy and being too sweet to handle. The vocal melodies and harmonies in "The Blue Rose" make the song. They have a relaxed feel but are subtly catchy at the same time. The country influence is especially evident in the song, "Your Darkest Eyes." It has that bouncy rhythm that is representative of many country musical pieces. The piano part makes a nice addition to the proceedings. "The Old Holland" is great. It has a bluesy feel while still maintaining the essence of what makes Votolato's songs so good. It sounds like it is going to burst with emotion several times and keeps a nice bit of anticipation for that moment without quite giving it up to the listener.
The Brag and Cuss is a tremendous example of how far an artist can grow into their music. Rocky Votolato seems to take his musings and their accompaniment in stride with how far he has come. This album is more than just a worthy successor to Makers. I believe that it trumps it in some instances. Time will tell if The Brag and Cuss will hold up as well. It is a worthwhile record to acquire. It pleases old fans and is sure to make new ones. My only complaint is that it seems to lack the energy that is present in Votolato's live shows, which are raucous and powerful affairs.
