Debut Album from Long Island’s The Rook
Long Island Rock band The Rook have just unveiled their debut album. Six More Weeks pulls from various musical experiences within the bands members and individual tastes. Influences range from Hardcore and Melodic Punk, to Post-Punk and Indie rock. The Rook have 2 other EPs released since their beginnings in late 2018. Six More Weeks is 11 all new songs of the bands heart, soul, and blend of styles.
“Eyes on the Fox”, which was released as a single earlier this year, has some heavy hitting guitars and rhythm. The post-punk/post-hardcore influences become immediately apparent in the almost chaotic mix. Different vocal parts overlapping and harmonic delivery bring back memories of the mid 00s. The lead playing on “Why Can’t We Just Have More”, paired with the rhythmic vocal delivery pull you in, and the catchy chorus keeps you. This one leaves the post-punk behind in lieu of a more progressive rock build and structure. “Haunt This Town” has a haunting intro/build. The harmonic vocals are peaceful, but hold a deeper sadness. The bass is incredible here, and takes its proper place pushing through the mix. “My People” has a Spanish flair, to include Spanish lyrics, maracas and acoustic guitar for the intro. That builds to a grittier verse and heavier overall feel. More great bass is highlighted by the pulled back guitars.
The Rook definitely love bass player Chad Denimarck. There is such a highlight on bass, which is usually pushed into the background. The bass intro of “You Are Strong” sets up the whole structure of the song. There is a little bit of a darker feel when the guitar and vocals come in. “Six More Weeks”, the title track, brings back those mid 00s vibes. The times when Emo, Melodic Punk, Alt-Rock, and Pop-Punk all shared the same stage without separation. This one causes some internal thought with how isolated everyone has been the last year. “Passenger” has solid bass groove. The lead guitar adds some aggression and highlights outstanding technical ability. This one has some heavy parts with a more attacking vocal delivery. The attack maintains for “Blind Spots and Black Holes”. The bass and guitars, like just about everywhere else, push this one forward with some force. A lack of crowd movement would be impossible when this gets played live.
“Swing and Miss” has that iconic post-hardcore structure. They have a strong grasp of the quiet-loud-quiet style of the genre. “Predictable Mystery” has a bouncing rhythm, that gives and returns throughout. This is another great showing of bass, as found throughout the rest of the album. The shouting vocal style is very welcomed and cements in the punch of this song. To close, “13 Phobias” gives plenty of kick, but blends with a solid groove of a foundation. There is a great crunch and and a need to move. “13 Phobias” is sure to be a crowd pleaser as well.
The Rook have delivered an incredible debut album. Six More Weeks is not an album to miss for any Alt-Rock, Post-Punk, Melodic Punk, or in general good music fan. This album, and the EPs that came before it are available for streaming on the major services. Digital Download is available on Bandcamp. Check out The Rook’s website for videos and upcoming news!