Rooftop Screamers is yet another rock act from Portland pushing against the limits of rock music by packing aspects of its sound with profundity and social awareness. Led by multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Mike Collins, Rooftop Screamers offers another one of its strongest outings with a track. "Forsaken (feat. Stephen McSwain)" tackles themes such as colonialism, invasion, and exploitation, all subjects that arise today with an empty honesty that would resonates deeply.
"Forsaken" isn't usually another rock song; it's an experience. From the initial guitar riff to McSwain's towering vocal performance and flair, every note sounds intentional; alive. Its musical voice blends initial Muse-spiced intensity, Deftones' otherworldly heaviness, and Steven Wilson's density with ear instrumentation and structural shape; the onslaught of guitars feels raw yet assiduously composed. Heavy but not punishing. Emotional and heavy but not melodramatic. The organized precariousness and deliberate elements perfectly speak to Collins' profound understanding of musical storytelling.
“Forsaken” wrestles again with humanity's endless sin, our lust for power, and the moral decay that follows. However, there is a certain rugged beauty to how Rooftop Screamers captures this horror in the production, which is brooding in depth, layers, and with mechanical overdubs of booming guitars and percussion to emulate chaos and contemplation. McSwain's vocals curl and curl in wave fashion as if in a storm that represents anger and lament. Thus, the piece hangs in prolonged silence long after the sound ceases, urging the listener to reflect on history, power, and their respective portions within all.
Rooftop Screamers, Mike Collins, considered and revered as quite an accomplished drummer, active in a music career, more than most drummers could even imagine, has studied under drummers such as Michael Shrieve (Santana), Zoro (Lenny Kravitz), and Graham Lear (REO Speedwagon), noted authors of the unique, distinct rhythmical sensibility. He has shared stages with artists such as Little Richard, Joan Jett, Cake, Sheryl Crow, George Clinton, and featured his drumming, but also the whole of his music development, worldwide, locally, across the board.
While Rooftop Screamers is still a one-man project, it is a creative collective as well. Collins has assembled a changing lineup of vocalists, producers, and musicians who each bring their own unique impression to the music. Some of the collaborators have included Earl Slick (David Bowie), Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), and Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), all meaningful collaborations for Collins.
"Forsaken" is a departure for Rooftop Screamers in the sense that it is darker and more guitar-driven, which is a conscious departure from the pop influences of tracks like "Souvenirs." Collins calls this phase riff-driven, cinematic and unapologetically real. While the song holds a mirror to the collective conscience of humanity, it also serves as a sign of Collins' continued evolution as a songwriter willing to take risks.
Together with such greats as David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Jeff Lynne, and Steven Wilson, Collins manages to make a blend of nostalgia and modern edges. Rooftop Screamers is not limited by genre, but is led by emotional intent, precision, and purpose. Each song weaves a part of a larger tapestry, a conversation between sound, story, and soul.
With "Forsaken," Rooftop Screamers are giving us a diatribe, not just a song. A reminder that rock can still confront, provoke, and heal. As the guitars fade and McSwain's final note turns to air, the meaning is unambiguous: that art can confront truth and, in the process, regain humanity's voice, even in a world ravaged by exploitation and greed.
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