Adam Curry

Rusted Root - When I Woke (Mercury)

 
 
  When the sounds of world beat are cured in the gritty spirit of an American steel town, the result is Rusted Root.  The debut release by this Pittsburgh based band has a relentlessly hypnotic, highly textured rhythm section that is fueled by a crafty blend of African, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Eastern inflections.  Add that to a rich and gutsy ensemble of vocals and you've got enough energy to make the souls of the walking dead rumble with delight. When I Woke will conjure up memories of early Jefferson Airplane, will swing you like Poi Dog Pondering, and will command your attention like The Talking Heads.  Self-described as "primal, aggressive, acoustic body-moving music," this certainly is infectious stuff.