Tampa rock scene lifer Rob Osenton plays 'Masks' release show this weekend

Local music fans undoubtedly recognize the name Rob Osenton. Known around the area as a premier multi-instrumentalist, a trusted and knowledgeable musical gearhead, and a down to earth and affable guy, Osenton is about to add his debut solo album to his already-impressive musical resume.

Having worked previously with local artists including singer-songwriter Adam Randall and rock and roll outfit Band of Sorrows, Osenton boldly and brazenly lets his personal musical influences shine through throughout Masks (Rob Bot Sound Records, 2022), his first stab at a solo outing.

Fans can hear the effort when Osenton plays an album release show on Friday, Aug. 19 at Crowbar in Ybor City.
Weaving his obvious love and admiration for some of his favorite artists, Osenton has created a musical pastiche that encompasses his long history of being a student and an unabashed fan of the music that’s paved the way for his own personal musical journey.

Opening with the chunky rocker “Just Enough,” Osenton quickly shows off his many talents and lets his searing lead guitar work take center stage. “Down on Your Luck,” a faithful tip of the hat to revered, pioneering power pop band Big Star, is a solid and honest throwback to straight-ahead, no frills rock and roll. Traces of Wilco and Tom Petty are obviously evident throughout the duration of the nine-song long player (which is being made available on CD as well as on a high quality vinyl pressing), but Masks is much more than a love letter to the artists’ favorite acts.

Osenton finds a way to pay tribute to his musical forefathers while still injecting plenty of his own spice and style to the mix. The back-to-back tracks on side two of the album, “Ghost” and “Magic Girl” are worth the price of admission alone. The two slow-building, sonic escapades into moody, atmospheric stratospheres show off a more introspective, cerebral side of the performer and prove his depth and his willingness to take chances and travel to headier, darker spaces.

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Recorded in his own hometown recording studio, Masks is a glowing triumph from this highly respected and revered local music giant and it magnificently shows off Osenton’s clear love of the music that came before him alongside his admirable plight to keep its spirit alive through his own original compositions and his unbridled passion.

Osenton will commemorate the release of his debut, solo album Masks by playing an album release show at Crowbar on Friday, Aug.19, 2022. Emily Turnage and Pilot Waves open the show. Doors at 7. $10 cover. CDs and vinyl copies will be available for purchase at the show.