Bess Rogers - Out Of The Ocean

Leave it to reading about the origins of humans from a tome about pre-historic fish and microbes called Your Inner Fish to really get the creative juices flowing, something indie/pop songwriter Bess Rogers found out first hand in between writing songs at her Brooklyn apartment last winter. Taking some time from touring as a solo artist and as guitarist in Ingrid Michaelson's band, Rogers found she became obsessed with the book and the idea of looking at "everything we do in life as a product of evolution." And lo and behold, new songs like "In the Waves" and "Water and Dirt" emerged ready for the studio. The fan-funded Out Of The Ocean, arriving October 4, is also about Roger's own evolution and growth as an artist and tunesmith, expanding her proclivity for intimately confessional Michaelson-styled folk/pop into artful and boldly energized songs that flirt with the occasional rocky edge.

Produced by Chris Kuffner (Michaelson's Girls and Boys), Out Of The Ocean features guest shots from Michaelson, Allie Moss and local piano-banger Ian Axel. Lead single "Anchor" is a thumping blast of guitar strums and snaking vocal harmonies, an effervescent and refreshing cooler that goes down easy and then calls for more. We're also particularly fond of "Standing Tall", another rhythmic gem where ukulele meets spunky drive and rich keyboard backing, Kuffner's sunsually lush production balancing Roger's layered vocals with the flurry of instruments going through one remarkable change after another. And, as anyone will tell you, change is what this evolution stuff is all about.

Bess Rogers - "Standing Tall" (from Out Of The Ocean)

Bess Rogers - "Anchor" (from Out Of The Ocean)

Download "Anchor" along w/ Beatles cover B-side "In My Life" at  Bandcamp.