Wildflow records and Independent Appalachian singer songwriter Anthony W Rogers announces the release of Rogers’ fifth solo album, “High Five.” Recorded again independently in the West Virginia hills, “High Five” features Rogers on a multitude of instruments and vocals on ten new original tracks with longtime collaborator multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Bart Lay, saxophonist Rich Norwood, percussionist Steve Heare as well as regular contributions from his two children Blake and Joe Rogers and family friend and Indian royalty, violinist Sajaad Bodine. Recorded over the past two years following up on the last 2021 release under the alternate name “babyflow – oblivious.”
“I just keep moving. This one is less of a group thing, more singular or personal, I guess.” says Rogers “I’ll probably get back to that a little more the next time out. Actually, I know so, we’ve already started”
In keeping with past Wildflow tradition, “High Five” is again very stylistically diverse and highlighted by the side one ending epic tale “Kensington” propelled by heartbeat like tom tom about a Western PA truck driver who escaped the addiction of life on the Philly streets only to be tragically lured back down again decades post recovery by thoughts of “that first time.” The middle of Side B contains the epic and tragic “Slava Ukraini” addressing the war waged upon its citizens and their once normal way of life-all for seemingly no purpose at all. An English translation of their national anthem - it is a shocking reminder as to how close we all are. “The springtime melts away the snow. So shall melt away the foe”
The other eight tracks run the gamut from the mission statement guitar-oriented pop opener “Whether You Get Me” to the reverb ghost laden dance with the spirits on “The Sky King of Georgetown.” Rogers says “I’ve tried to tone down the ratio of backgrounds to the leads and maybe bring them upfront a tad on this one. That will likely change on the next one. All of the songs on this one are equally important to me.”
“I limited the political to a Krautrock/Dinger/MES-The Fall like rant about the idiocy of this new right wing buzzword “woke.” Rogers says “They’re basically training you to be conquered. All time dumb dumb.” “Missed It” is a bird-like flighty jazzy almost scat-like vamp. Lyrically, it’s “at least partially about a ‘high school killer on a YouTube program,” says Rogers. Side A of “High Five” adds a slow spooky vibe with an icy ride through the cold seas on “Slow Boat Ride” chronicling a lifetime of mental struggles against the hopeless sea to the point is reached where right and wrong are not easily discerned. “Frog Eyes” is a “little quirky three part vignette about a French custom steel kitchen appliance maker’s waking dream about the futility and foolishness of him trying to manipulate the real world as he watches the tide turn away,” says Rogers. “Better to spend your time handling it as Michael Singer would say.”
“High Five” stops to celebrate the great state of “West Virginia” - particularly the eastern panhandle residents-the access (duck in duck out) and special relationship they have with the DMV. The album closer is the part delicate but part rocking “Not Waiting” - an almost Marvin Gaye “After The Dance”-ish styled album closer feel-wise. Lyrically, a small lament against the disrespect of waiting for anything, the track reiterates and projects the DIY themes expressed on “All Saints”.
“I really feel like we’ve made progress this time out. We seek to keep moving in that direction,” promises Rogers. “This is album number 5 and we’re obviously high on it”
In keeping with all Wildflow releases, “High Five” is available in limited edition vinyl of 250 and on all digital and streaming services.
To purchase:
Apple music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anthony-w-rogers/1438451369
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYQ6C49M/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/79HUjCbr17LcjkQMGoxXSZ
Vinyl: Solar Mountain Records: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=706212141298399&set=pcb.706212184631728
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158(US) glassonyonpr@gmail.com
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