Rollo Tomasi contains
Neil Sandler (ex-
Traluma) on vocals, thereby showing why this Chicago three-piece bears a striking resemblance to
Sandler's former outfit. That is by no means a lack of respect towards
Traluma or
Rollo Tomasi. Rather, it is just to state that there are striking similarities between the two. For those who don't know, there seems to be a certain "sound" which many Chicago bands (
Traluma,
Radio Flyer,
Haymarket Riot,
Gauge, etc.) display, most likely because many of them have all been in the same bands together. As is typical with most music, their fans are quite adamant about each act's diversity, while outsiders proclaim that all of these bands are really just the same few people playing the same song time and time again. Both sides of the argument are viable, especially in light of
Rollo Tomasi's similarities to
Traluma. Yet, the guitar tones and song structure that bands like
Rollo Tomasi utilize are very infectious and pleasing. The music also includes aggravated guitars, blunt basslines, and a loud/soft, fast/slow arrangement, thus going back to the roots of much of the emo movement. While
He Who Holds You is a rather good introduction to the specific style of Chicago emo mentioned earlier, it is unfortunately nothing groundbreaking.