Lawrence Rothman - The Book Of Law (2017)

A musician and visual artist from Los Angeles, Lawrence Rothman began writing songs and making home studio recordings at the ripe old age of nine. Around that time, he also started wearing costumes for different characters or, more precisely, versions of himself ("alters") depending on what he was working on, a practice later conspicuous in promotional images and performance. The young artist also eventually grew into a distinctive, ripe baritone that made its recording debut on the single "Montauk Fling" on Mamaroma in 2013. The label released a few more songs, including "Kevin" and "#1 All Time Low," before Rothman signed with Downtown Records/Interscope in 2015. The plaintive single "California Paranoia" featuring Angel Olsen followed later that year. It was one of a series of tracks released from his full-length debut, The Book of Law, before its arrival in the fall of 2017. Reflecting personal struggles with issues like gender identity and social alienation through a mix of piano balladry and lite synth pop, the album was produced by Justin Raisen (Charli XCX, Santigold) and Rothman's brother Yves. In addition to Olsen, collaborators included Marissa Nadler, Kristin Kontrol, and a diverse list of notable backing musicians not limited to Pino Palladino (the Who, John Mayer Trio), Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses), and Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint). ~ Marcy Donelson