Singer, songwriter, and telecaster-lover Francis Rossi has been revving up the underground rock scenes for over fifty years. From frontman of English rock band Status Quo to his own solo career paths, Rossi has made his way sneakily beneath the headlines with his groovy licks. His new album, The Accidental, was released early in the month, just in time to give listeners some catchy new riffs to accompany the winter season with. Throbbing with surfy beats and playful blues chords, The Accidental riles up a solid old-school rock sound.
A striking intro starts “Much Better.” From there the song glides into progressive jam rock riffs which dominate the track. A strong guitar solo enhances the rhythm right at the bridge.
“Go Man Go,” enters with choral ambience which is then disrupted by a distorted strum. Groovy riffs blast with a bubblegum sound that feels as though it should be blasting through a jukebox. “Go Man Go,” hits heavy with rattling percussion. It’s catchy, balancing on the line between rock and disco.
A sixties style surf bop, “Push Comes to Shove,” vibrates with a delicate schoolboy yearning. The keys and snappy riffs pulsate like a pounding heartbeat ripe with strong emotions, while Rossi’s croons dictate the narrative. For those wanting a love song with some kick, “Push Comes to Shove” cracks with electricity and warmth, chasing that high adrenaline that comes with having a crush.
Thick riffs take us into “Back on Our Home Ground.” Raspy harmonies among smoky blues chords, the fourth track takes listeners deep into an underground blues-rock club with heavy instrumentals and smooth background vocals accompanying the mix. “Back On Our Home Ground,” drives us away from the pop frequencies and into something with raw power that feels almost illicit.
“Dead of Night,” thrills with a heavy blast of riffs that subside into muted chords for the verse. Lines like “I’ve been talking in my sleep at night, you’ve been saying that it just ain’t right,” make it personal, and yet despite the insomniac’s message, the chorus kicks in with enough funk to keep the song light and fun.
Tracks like “Going Home,” ring with jazzy melodies and snappy riffs that carry a slight country twang. The beat keeps it bouncy while the vocals bring that taste of blues.
Catchy and brisk, “Bye My Love,” opens with a contagious rhythm. Melodic and simple, there’s a Beatles-esque (think Red Album) harmony on this track, though the instrumentals are much deeper with a thicker bass sound than what one might hear on a pop song. Tantalizing licks in between the verses also kick up the heat of this old-school sounding bop.
“Something In the Air,” brings down the mood with progressive rock styles that border with a metal influence. Dark and gloomy but full of energy, “Something in the Air,” transcends into the heaviness with suspense and a feeling of dread. Striking chords escalate the song like a rollercoaster with steep inclines; it just keeps going with a slamming pulse. Robotic vocals join in the fury. One of the most thrilling tracks off The Accidental, the adrenaline doesn’t die down for even a second.
“Picture Perfect,” starts with flowery piano notes and furious swings. Phantom electric notes then transcend quickly into a disco riff. The beat tells the story while the lines create a visually appealing image. The piano and guitar are most present with punchy riffs against the pulsing drumbeat which soon makes way for a dynamite guitar solo. “Picture Perfect,” rings like a hurricane of a rock track, bouncy and all over the place.
Classical acoustic melodies blend into a slow jam beat in “November Again.” The soothing acoustic strumming is accompanied by fiery licks that weave beneath the rhythm. The song captures the passage of time, searching for an answer while the days to months go by in silence. It’s a palate cleanser from the blazing garage rock energy blasting through the album, offering solace in softer rhythms and soulful croons without entirely dousing the exuberant flames of rock and roll.
Songs like “Oh So Good,” are hip with pep and a mellow doo-wop beat. The telecaster twang chimes, both rhythm and lead riffs crackling against one another. A chanting chorus and blending harmonies make this bop easy to dance to.
Punchy riffs dictate “Beautiful World.” Prog rock notes reverberate, while the keys are prominent with their intensity. A tangy isolated solo radiates, echoing in a touch of whimsy from the slashing beat. The finale erupts into escalating riffs and angsty solos, speeding toward the song’s epic ending before the momentum subsides into the last lines.
The most standout track on the album? It’s hard to miss the change in atmosphere in the last song, “Time to Remember.” With only piano driving the beginning, once the beat and rhythm of other instruments join in, they stay in the background while the keys take the lead. The spotlight shines on Rossi’s soulful rasps in this melodic emotion-filled ballad. Slow and introspective, “Time to Remember,” is a reminder to stop and reflect when life moves by a little too fast.
The Accidental sticks with traditional rhythms and twangy solos that we come to expect from the legendary Francis Rossi. Tradition aside, there’s still fresh takes on recycled sounds, time for reflection and for new feelings to swell up with the infectious beats. Intricate melodies dominate The Accidental, proving life-long skill and passion for the craft.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Alice Kearney
Connect with Francis Rossi:
Website: https://.francisrossi.com
