Singer-songwriter Rose Gerber is an intrepid American roots explorer, grafting country, folk, rock, alt-rock, and alt-country into an ageless, ache-laden signature sound. As a writer, Rose is both thick-skinned and delicate, shape-shifting from Heartland rock n’roll to heartbreaking balladry with unpretentious ease. Her songs are snapshots of everyday living that capture meaning in the seemingly mundane, courageous letters-to-self that spill wisdom so raw it feels almost accidental. It’s that unflinching tone that lands her comparisons to Natalie Merchant, Gillian Welch, and Patty Griffin: a turn-of-the-millenium voice backed by the high-lonesome pedal steel whine, Doc Martins and cowboy boots, each in their turn.
Rose’s 2024 EP, Untraveled Highway, out on July 5th, is a nostalgic escape into the freedom of youth that somehow never quite abandons its grown-up wisdom. In five songs about running, compromising, and learning to stay, Rose lovingly buckles impending middle age into the passenger seat and hits the highway – a much-needed road trip companion for anyone wrestling with what it might mean to settle down.
Today Glide is excited to premiere “Untraveled Highway,” a standout tune that finds Gerber manifesting an alt-country sound reminiscent of the early 90s that focuses on the timeless theme of the road as an escape from life’s troubles. Gerber is backed by a talented band that bolsters her smooth and earthy vocals with a wash of twangy pedal steel, uptempo guitar, and the kind of rhythm that captures the song’s forward momentum. “Untraveled Highway” also signals once again that Gerber is a hugely talented songwriter and a talent to watch.
Gerber describes the inspiration behind the song:
“I have always had a wandering spirit, never staying in one place for too long, addicted to moving around and being on the road. For some people, the road is an escape route when life gets hard and running becomes a lifelong practice. This song explores that thin, thin line between seeking freedom and running.”
LISTEN:
The post SONG PREMIERE: Rose Gerber Manifests a Timeless Alt-country Road Tune with “Untraveled Highway” appeared first on Glide Magazine.
