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Critic Reviews
90
Even more than any music that came before it, this album highlights Rosali's unique voice, one that communicates full-hearted intensity without ever resorting to heavy-handedness or overstatement.
2y
90
It is singer-songwriter introspection and a high octane field recording from an unusually fertile and harmonious gathering of five likeminded musicians at the seam where hip country rock meets the wide-eyed extemporisations of contemporary cosmically inclined psych-rock.
2y
85
The North Carolina singer-songwriter’s fourth album is beautiful, broken and buttressed by Mowed Sound’s killer backing heroics.
2y
84
An evocative singer/songwriter as well as a ruthless shredder, Rosali comes into her own on the rueful and rollicking Bite Down.
2y
80
Rosali’s Bite Down is a deceptively smooth ride that threatens to pull you under at any moment. Its classic sound draws from Fleetwood Mac and 1970s music.
2y
80
The centrifugal force is Rosali's calm, deep voice, belying her lyric's nervous energy and drama, balancing vulnerability with resilience.
Print Only
2y
75
Whether her songs are celebratory or reflective, Middleman’s talents highlight a relaxed assuredness that make Bite Down an easy companion to have along for any journey.
2y
73
Working again with members of David Nance & Mowed Sound, the North Carolina singer-songwriter finds an easy, patient groove pitched between Americana and classic rock.
2y
60
The album would have benefited from a slightly wider variation in pace, with an additional up-tempo song or two. Nevertheless, Middleman’s articulate, assertive writing is skilfully presented in songs such as My Kind and May It Be On Offer.
Print Only
2y
after four solid albums over eight years, Rosali Middleman has found her stride. I have compared her before to Karla Bonoff, and that's still accurate, but there's a bit more Laura Marling in her flow now. she writes songs for adults, which is difficult in a medium aimed at and dominated by youth. there's also a subtlety to her songwriting, and she's more expressive than declarative, so you have to pay close attention.
the songs on Bite Down are all expertly crafted and recorded. "Hills ... read more
Just some really good chill alt-country/roots rock with intimate, personal lyrics and vibey soulful guitar playing (seriously, she's an awesome guitarist). Really great album to just throw on in the back and vibe with while reading but with just enough going on under the surface to still enjoy during more active listening. Definitely gonna enter my reading playlist and autumn walk playlist. FFO: Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton
The cover is so misleading. It is about as far from an art rock album as you can get. In fact, it's pretty average folk rock but the delivery is just so perfect and her voice is so beautiful that it cuts through the noise (ironic since there isn't much) of that genre. It is just a pretty listen throughout highlighted by "Rewind" and "Change Is in the Form."
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Track List
| 1 | On Tonight 4:17 | 79 |
| 2 | Rewind 4:48 | 81 |
| 3 | Hills on Fire 5:13 | 84 |
| 4 | My Kind 3:46 | 84 |
| 5 | Bite Down 4:28 | 81 |
| 6 | Hopeless 3:44 | 83 |
| 7 | Slow Pain 4:49 | 76 |
| 8 | Is It Too Late 3:46 | 74 |
| 9 | Change Is in the Form 4:06 | 79 |
| 10 | May It Be on Offer 5:43 | 72 |
Total Length: 44 minutes
Year End Lists
| #6 | / | Uproxx: Steven Hyden |
| #24 | / | A.V. Club |
| #25 | / | BrooklynVegan |
| #26 | / | RIFF |
| #34 | / | Uncut |
| #95 | / | Paste |
| / | AllMusic | |
| / | Bandcamp Daily |
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