Dave Bazan/Rocky Votolato

I know it’s going to be blasphemous to a number of people to say, but I think I might be into this show more for Rocky Votolato than Dave Bazan. Nothing against Bazan, I have great respect for his work as a solo artist and that in Pedro the Lion, and I enjoy his music from across those eras. But Rocky Votolato is really good. The Seattle-raised singer-songwriter knows just the right way to pull at the heartstrings. Mixing elements of both acoustic folk and full band-backed southern rock, Votolato writes albums that are the definitive soundtrack for those long drives through the desert and the Midwest. Heartbreakingly raw and emotive, while always being calm and controlled with his vocals, Votolato’s signature haunting atmosphere never fails to leave a lasting impression. - Brien Overly