Steeped in memorable folk and Americana portrayals of modern tumult and perseverance, New Scrolls is the personal new album from Connecticut-based singer-songwriter Erik Rabasca. Combining rootsy arrangements with intimate songwriting, the record balances familiar rock/folk cohesion and lyrically guiding warmth while delivering a mindful overall perspective on making the most of life.
A playful, twangy folk allure shines on “New Scrolls” as the album gets underway, which encourages a mindful shift toward introspection. “Wise up with the wise ones / who live fully in this time / seeing all in themselves,” Rabasca’s vocals enthuse alongside frolicking guitar breeziness, thematically employing wisdom as a shield against unexamined greed and ego. A more contemplative, subdued pace consumes on the ensuing “Foolin’ Yourself,” where trickling acoustics and solemn vocals complement further lyrical wisdom, confronting media saturation, superficiality, and cyclical trauma in advising listeners to “stop an’ smell them roses” to escape the crushing grip of conformity, pleading “don’t waste too much time getting perfect poses” despite society’s push for perfection.
“Rituals, Lies & Sin” arrives with a soaring mixture of electric guitar twangs and vocal proclamation: “I don’t want to go outside today, the sun is too hot to enjoy.” The portrayal of “suffering” as a “constant theme” is poignantly conveyed, capturing the grind of capitalistic exploitation and endless conflict within an earnest wish for universal kindness. Developments from acoustic steadiness to bursting twangs bolster the “peace within” vocal aspirations enjoyably. “Love Resonates” is another insightful success, positioning romance as a sanctuary from the chaotic world so artfully depicted in previous tracks. Featuring lived-in, absorbing songwriting, New Scrolls is an enveloping success from Erik Rabasca.
