7/10

Over these last few months, Illinois-based outfit Rosetta West have established themselves as one of the more innovative names rising through the rank on the underground scene. With a distinctive blend of rock, blues, and Romani folk intertwined within their aesthetic, their material to date has been this wildly adventurous affair that makes for a wonderfully diverse listen. And after making a serious splash with their breakthrough debut LP 'Labyrinth' last year, they now return with their eagerly-awaited sophomore album 'Night's Cross' a record that seems them push those passionate ideals of theirs even further.

From the very start, 'Night's Cross' looks to make this brilliantly absorbing groove that pulls you in and rarely lets you go. Building upon the swaggering foundations of their initial full-length, this new twelve-track collection finds them in a broad and emotive guise, coupling those gritty vocals with a smooth and alluring guitar-driven flow from beginning to end. Whether they are looking to get our feet moving with tracks like the opener 'Save Me' or opting for a more atmospheric endeavour with 'Diana', Rosetta West always manage to create a sound that feels more progressive the longer we listen to it.

It has certainly been a busy and productive time for them this past year, but 'Night's Cross' sounds like they have truly settled into their direction right now. Strong, confident, and driven at every turn, Rosetta West are certainly a force to be reckoned with on the blues-rock circuit right now.