‘Firebreather’ is the first full-length release from Chicago singer Skylar Rogers. Finding inspiration in the rocking blues of Koko Taylor and Tina Turner, her soul-infused fiery blues inspires and delights across the album.
Drawing from her own character and experiences of life, Rogers’ songs are both observational and personal. The opening track, ‘Hard Headed Woman’ rushes the listener headlong into the album with a classic blues-rock vibe, as Rogers’ lyrics look at her own less flattering character traits pushing away a lover.
The angst-ridden ‘Like Father Like Daughter’ deals with her own strained relationship with her father. On ‘Work’ Rogers mixes blues with funk to produce a sound that fans of 1970s era Aerosmith will delight in.
Rogers’ vocal skills are powerful. Much like the greats before her, Koko Taylor, Aethra Franklin, and Tina Turner, she can belt out a feisty rocker that will blow the roof of a building and in the next breath, deliver a gospel-infused slow blues tune that will bring a tear to your eye.
Backed by a tight band, collectively known as The Blue Diamonds, the musicianship on the album is superb. Individually the works of guitarists Marty Gibson and Steven J. Hill are a highlight as they interweave around the solid rhythm section of Jerry Ewing bass guitar and Bradley Arl’s drums.
‘Failure’ takes the music down a notch into classic soul territory as Rogers delivers a heartbreaking vocal echoing the self-doubt contained within the song. The keyboard work of Peter Rimmer in particular stands out here and on the closing blues standard ‘Thankful’. The gospel-infused ‘Movin’ On’ is a beautiful uplifting track. Handclaps and foot stomps mixed with multiple harmonies emulating an old-time revival sound making this one stand out from the crowd.
Full of great music, coupled with well-written songs, ‘Firebreather’ is a strong debut by an artist whose star is most certainly on the rise.