Rosetta West’s latest single “Circle of Doubt” arrives with purpose and weight, released to align with Beltane, the Celtic holy day that celebrates renewal and rebirth. It’s a fitting release date for a track that wrestles with spiritual fatigue, existential questioning, and the flicker of determination that survives in the ashes of struggle. From the first riff, “Circle of Doubt” plunges listeners into a shadowy, almost trance-like soundscape — a blues-rock ritual for anyone who’s ever stared into the void and dared to blink back.
The track opens with a slow, grinding riff — heavy, hypnotic, and distinctly “stoner” in its feel — creating an atmosphere that suggests not just weariness, but a weight of lived experience. It’s as if the music itself is stuck in the titular circle, trying and failing to escape. Yet layered within this sense of doom are delicate, high-note flourishes and background soloing that shimmer with longing and something loftier — a yearning for transcendence. That contrast is what makes the song work so well. It’s not just about being lost in despair; it’s about being aware of what lies beyond it, even if it feels just out of reach.
Lyrically, “Circle of Doubt” speaks with raw honesty. It explores the emotional wreckage left behind after some kind of inner or spiritual battle, the kind that leaves you burnt-out but still asking questions. It’s not clean or resolved — and that’s the point. Doubt is rarely tidy. There’s a very human tension here between surrender and survival, and the music mirrors that with a perfect blend of grit and grace.
Rosetta West, a blues rock band based in Illinois, has always leaned into deep themes of mysticism, spirituality, and inner conflict. Their sound is rooted in blues and classic rock but often incorporates psychedelic and folk elements, making their music feel both grounded and otherworldly. “Circle of Doubt” continues this tradition, serving as another chapter in their introspective and often intense sonic journey.
The band’s lineup is a trio of complementary forces. Joseph Demagore handles vocals, guitars, and keyboards, bringing both lyrical depth and musical complexity. Jason X, who plays bass and keyboards, also co-produces and engineers — a role he’s held since their Labyrinth album in early 2024. Together, with the elusive drummer Nathan Q. Scratch, whose refusal to be photographed adds to the band’s enigmatic aura, they form a tight, well-tuned unit. Their chemistry is evident in the nuanced layering of “Circle of Doubt” — each part, from bassline to beat to eerie guitar solo, feels deliberate and interconnected.
As an added bonus, the single includes “The God Who Made Me Cry”, a daring track that dives headfirst into theological rebellion, hinting at deicide and spiritual disillusionment. It’s a bold and heavy companion piece to “Circle of Doubt,”expanding the emotional and philosophical landscape the band operates in.
Despite a largely underground career — save for a one-off with Alive Records — Rosetta West has cultivated a loyal international following. Their independence and refusal to conform to mainstream industry norms have only sharpened their creative edge. Their music isn’t designed for passive listening; it demands engagement, reflection, and sometimes even discomfort. But for those who value music that speaks to the soul’s more haunted corners, “Circle of Doubt” is a rewarding listen.
In short, this is a track that lingers. It’s brooding, beautiful, and unafraid to ask hard questions — and in doing so, it becomes not just a song, but a kind of spiritual companion for those navigating their own circles of doubt.
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