Album Review: Rok Ali and the Addiction – Pulse (Self Released)

Emerging from a journey of personal trials and musical evolution, Rok Ali and the Addiction is redefining the hard rock genre with their new album, ‘Pulse’. It was released on October 10th, 2024.

One of the more exciting aspects of this new Rok Ali and the Addiction album is the experimental approach that both the instrumentals and the vocals take. Yes, there is plenty of encouragement to move and groove to some quality rock music, but there’s also plenty of encouragement to sit back and take note of some of the more unusual aspects that the group have to show off.

Early on, this interesting balance is on show with the pairing of Change the Script and the title track. The former has an energetic vibe that seems fairly standard, at first, but this is one of the more madcap moments of the album. A wacky and experimental showcase that continues into the latter. Which, while also being offbeat, has a darker feel. Proof that you haven’t heard everything rock music has to offer. Not when a vocalist like Rok Ali exists, and in both these tracks, she exudes power and passion, while also having soft and subtle moments that impress too.

There’s a fair bit going on throughout Pulse, and that is reflected in a series of tracks that have tons of creativity. Slow-burners, dynamic body-shakers, head-bangers, dramatic melody-laced efforts, and so much more is what is on offer with the likes of You Want, Beneath the Boards, Underground Ball, Ponder This, and See for Myself. Without even really noticing, the album just flies by in blur of genuinely unique sounds. A lot will have sunk in, but this is a multiple listen album without a shadow of a doubt.

Will everyone want too though? That’s really going to depend on a person’s willingness to open up the mind and let Rok Ali in. It’s not just an addiction in name, it’s an addiction in nature, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to do that. The reward? Not just what has been enjoyed so far, but a delightfully groovy listen like The Charming Snake, the danceable weirdness of Song Zero, and the punchy hard rock heavy hit that is Wait for It. A banging trio that put the emphatic unique stamp on the Rok Ali and the Addiction sound.

Rok Ali and the Addiction – Pulse Track Listing:

1. Change the Script
2. Pulse
3. You Want
4. Beneath the Boards
5. Underground Ball
6. Ponder This
7. See For Myself
8. The Charming Snake
9. Song Zero
10. Wait for It

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