"Unknown Man" is a great upbeat, eighteen track alt-country album from Swedish outfit Roger and the Rockets. Led by phenomenal singer/songwriter Roger Häggström, Roger and the Rockets have created a solid album that draws from the roots Americana, Irish folk, blues, and bluegrass genres. The arrangements are driven by toe-tapping drum beats, nice bass lines, soaring guitars, and great musical additions including violin, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, hand claps, and group vocals. Roger's delivery is with a unique country vocal, refreshing and a great match for the arrangements. The songs are fun and upbeat featuring imaginative and meaningful lyrics about trying to understand women, hope, lonesomeness, and politics. "Unknown Man" is well-produced and sounds nothing but clean and professional. "Out of This Place" has a nice arrangement with a great drum beat and exceptional mandolin and acoustic guitar work and a great group vocal on the catchy chorus. "I Got Hope" is a political track about "hope for a better world" with a great arrangement, thought-provoking lyrics, and more great group vocals. "What a Ride" is a bluesy track featuring harmonica, a classic blues arrangement, and more great lyrics. With "Unknown Man," singer/songwriter Roger Häggström and his backing band, the Rockets, have composed an excellent and original album sure to be met with worldwide acclaim. Fans of upbeat country-lenient alt-country should definitely give Roger and the Rockets a listen.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review TeamCheck out Roger and the Rockets's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites
