Rolo Tomassi – Live at Electric Ballroom (Recommendation)

Rolo Tomassi has recently become one of my favorite bands, and they have been at the top of my “to watch” list for concert visits for some time now. The musical repertoire of the five-member group, led by siblings Eva Korman and James Spence, currently consists of six albums, with the addition of a live album after 17 years of band history. However, live albums often fail to convey the experience some listeners hopes for, either due to sound mixing issues or the absence of the physical presence at a concert. So, what can we expect from this live album?

Live at Electric Ballroom features 15 tracks, and I must say that the selection of songs is excellent. Despite focusing on music from the last three albums, Grievances, Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It and Where Myth Becomes Memory, the chosen songs and their order add a different depth to the listening experience. Starting with the newest album from 2022, the tour was also in support of the latest studio album, transitioning seamlessly into the oldest of the three albums. The calmer track “Aftermath” feels like a relaxation after the more intense Grievances songs, offering a new perspective on the music. This feeling intensified as songs from the last two albums intertwined towards the end.

Musically, I can only reiterate my praise from my previous review of Where Myth Becomes Memory from 2022; Rolo Tomassi manages to combine chaotic sound structures in a way that creates harmony. The shifts between soft and hard elements, often supported by powerful drums, riffs and delicate piano playing, create the same depth that I experienced on their studio albums, with a hint of the rawness from their early days shining through more prominently in a live setting.

After 73 minutes of band history, the concert ends with an album that, for me, stands out as one of the most successful live recordings. While there may be some imperfections here and there, they are part of the live experience. What sets Rolo Tomassi apart is their ability to showcase a musical prowess live that many bands struggle to achieve. Live at Electric Ballroom brings the feeling of a concert into my living room, solidifying Rolo Tomassi‘s position at the top of my “to watch” list.