

On November 22, 2024, the world will witness the triumphant return of Felice Rosser and her legendary band FaithNYC with their latest album, ‘Love Is A Wish Away’. Produced by the renowned Justin Adams—a collaborator with artists like Robert Plant and Tinariwen—the album captures the soul of post-punk with a funky, genre-blending spirit that embodies New York City’s raw and rebellious musical heart.
From the opening track “Love Is A Wish Away”, Rosser’s muscular bass lines grip you as her deep, commanding vocals wash over the listener. The song evokes the gritty streets of NYC, where punk attitudes blend with the rebellious groove of rock, reggae, and funk. The album’s heartbeat is unmistakable, thanks to Rosser’s singular vision—an authentic and powerful reflection of her journey from Detroit’s Motown scene to NYC’s punk underbelly. Rosser’s time absorbing the influences of the MC5, Television, and her encounters with Patti Smith and Jean-Michel Basquiat inform every track, crafting a sound that is both raw and deeply emotive.
On tracks like “Useless”, FaithNYC leans into a reggae-inspired groove while lyrically touching on the pain of loss and transition, making it as introspective as it is catchy. The reggae edge reminds us of Rosser’s time playing with the all-female reggae band Sistren, grounding her deep connection to multiple genres. Her ability to switch effortlessly from upbeat rhythms to contemplative lyricism shines here, demonstrating the band’s versatility.
The album takes a personal and vulnerable turn with “Can I Make It Up To You”, a haunting ballad of guilt and sorrow. Rosser’s voice carries a weight of emotion that is palpable, her vocals soaked in regret over missing the final moments with her grandmother. The rawness of this track encapsulates the deeply personal nature of the record.

On “Eagle Street”, the band channels their post-punk roots, driven by a brooding, relentless bass line. Rosser’s vocals, paired with Adams’ intricate guitar work, evoke the ghosts of New York’s past, capturing the essence of a city in flux but never losing its identity. Percussionist Fin Hunt adds layers of texture throughout the album, giving each track a distinct, rhythmic edge.
Rosser’s collaboration with Justin Adams feels like a natural union, blending their shared history of diverse influences. From African rhythms to punk sensibilities, FaithNYC transcends genres, crafting something truly original. The closing track, “Climbing All The Way To Zion”, brings the album to a rousing end, a testament to Rosser’s ability to turn personal narratives into universally resonant anthems.
‘Love Is A Wish Away’ is an album that celebrates the power of blending seemingly disparate influences into a cohesive whole. It’s a reflection of the cultural melting pot that is New York City, but also of Rosser’s own journey through punk, funk, reggae, and beyond. With her band FaithNYC, Felice Rosser continues to prove that she is an unstoppable force, creating music that is as timeless as it is immediate.
This is a album that demands to be heard, a testament to the spirit of punk with a massive twist and the infinite possibilities of music.
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