Comments for ROUX, Roux

A "roux" (roo) is cooked mixture of fat and flour used as a base to thicken sauces. This ROUX is the musical equivalent, full of buttery guitar, fat bass, spicy drums and hot vocals. ROUX is the name of the band and the album. It`s even the nickname of the band`s frontman, Portland native Doug Rouhier (pronounced roo-yay). ROUX`s new album defines "Post-Alternative" Rock. This album offers the first evidence that alternative music has finally grown up and gotten deeper. It`s direct and passionate but unmarred by the aimless rage and posturing that characterize so many alternative bands. Rouhier, the band`s founder, lead singer and songwriter, sounds like an updated David Bowie fronting the Pretenders, with his thick baritone and moody delivery. Produced by Robert Cassard (who`s own album "Get This" is a tour-de-force of great songs and great production), ROUX is an album full of unexpected turns and twists. The unresolved tension of "Begin" gives way to the rollicking drive of "Pillows & Ladders." Dark confessional ballads like "Altar" coexist with the sexual frustration of "Velvet" and "Sting." And intimate acoustic tracks like "Trying Too Hard" and "Call On Me" contrast with the electric muscle of "Cliche" and "Mistress." The album`s final cut, also called "Roux," combines pieces of every song on the album into an entirely new song--a psychedelic wonder created by cutting and spinning analog reels by hand! As another one of Cassard`s 8-Track analog productions, this album defies logic with it`s complexity and richness. Over and over again, I asked myself how did they do that?! It doesn`t hurt that it was mastered by Chris Bellman, the same guy who mastered "Jagged Little Pill" for Alanis Morissette. No matter where ROUX takes you, it`s all held together by Roux`s incredible voice. Hard-edged, acoustic, fast, slow, complex, simple, earthy or spacey--everything works because his voice holds it all together. Take a big gulp of this ROUX while it`s nice and hot. (By the way, I couldn`t find this album in any stores. I picked this up at a recent performance. I`m told you can call the record company and order it direct @ (800) 613-9800.)