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Rob Roper / Press

"On his last effort, 2011's Misfit, Rob Roper more than proved that he had sharp songwriting skills and a knack for penning some pretty damn witty lyrics. There's more of that on the new The Other Side of Nowhere, but musically, this release is more of a stripped-down affair with primarily acoustic instruments, a setting that works quite well with Roper's writing, bringing his lyrics more to the forefront. Roper says he originally intended to make a duo album with violinist Paul Ermisch, with whom he's been performing as a two-piece for the past few years, but during the recording process, more players were brought in, including percussionist Daren Hahn. While Misfit might rock a bit more, The Other Side of Nowhere is equally engaging and potent."

Jon Solomon - The Westword

"...'The Other Side of Nowhere' is all about the music, with four new originals, a stellar cover and new arrangements of three previously-released tunes. Roper sounds terrific here, with 'Sea of Hope,' the title track, and 'The Man in the Movies' the best of the new songs. His cover of Timmy Riordan's 'Trouble on the Way' is a delight, as are the newly-arranged renditions of 'Misfit' and 'Let it Go.' It's time you got to know Rob Roper." 4 stars.

Jeffrey Sisk - The Daily News

"Rob Roper brings occasional violin and drum instrumentation out alongside his eloquent guitar work on his new record The Other Side of Nowhere. The title track is the most definitive of Roper’s sound: a bit slow, yet melodic; ambient, yet strangely catchy. It is acoustic rock with Roper’s own unique touch on it, and it echoes with Colorado flavor. Roper has been in Denver since 2000. The influence of Colorado culture is very present in his songs, especially the track “Let’s go to the Mountains.” His music sounds like what you would hear in a small high-country café, there are touches of country as well as some faster paced rock riffs that stand out at just the right times. The album is a great listen to put your mind in a happy, mellow mood, you may just catch yourself “Falling Into Heaven."

Tim Wenger - Colorado Music Buzz

“(Regarding the 2011 CD "Misfit") "Roper's gentle blend of Americana and rock n roll is as memorable as the package it comes in ...plinks at heart strings and funny bones... finding both the sorrow and the humor in some of the shadowed crevices of day-to-day life... a solid songwriter with a talent for telling stories from unusual perspectives... an entertaining effort."”

“("Misfit") "Combining a vocal delivery at times reminiscent of Joe Strummer, other times Peter Asher, Roper creates noticeable pop music. And here, his chameleon-like vocal delivery adds to the songs' power and impact. From the opening cut ("Falling Into Heaven") with its Tom-Petty-esque lope, to the heavy-footed elephant stomp of the title cut, Roper's musical persona is part folkie, part nerd, part conceptual artist, and part cultural critic. On "Bipolar," he combines Motown,Stax/Volt, and Tin-Pan Alley with a dash of smooth jazz. "Apollo's Little Bastard" combines mythical allusions with a sort of self-help patter for mere mortals. And if songwriting isn't enough, Roper takes a blistering electric guitar solo, as well. Producer John McVey handles most of the other electric guitar parts throughout the album. "Even the packaging here is special. Instead of the usual jewel case or eco-paperboard, Misfit has a book-like cover with thick paper pages and commissioned illustrations." ”

Vintage Guitar

"On the title track of Rob Roper's first full-length, Misfit, the singer-songwriter spends a good portion of the song singing about what he isn't. To wit: He's not a hippie, redneck or vegan. What's more, he doesn't have a tattoo, piercings or dreadlocks, and he doesn't drink Bud Light or Jagermeister. But what Roper is, as Misfit proves, is a guy with some sharp songwriting skills and a knack for penning witty lyrics. On the African-tinged 'Me' (which Roper dedicates to people who daydream at their jobs, especially musicians and artists having to work day jobs), he sings about working for the Man and staring at a screen-- but, he stresses, 'This ain't me.' On the album's lively opener, 'Falling Into Heaven,' Roper and his group summon Bob Dylan, then tone it down on the heartbreaking 'You Could Have Had Me.'"

“(Regarding the 2011 CD "Misfit") "...drenched with emotion, with truly beautiful songs...A modest masterpiece."”

“(Regarding the 2011 CD "Misfit") "This is a wonderful CD. Rob Roper writes and sings about the everyday human condition, without a hint of arrogance or self pity, with beautiful melodies and creative arrangements. Most of us should be able to relate to the content of all the songs, but, perhaps one will stand out as if he wrote it just for you. For me, it was Apollo's Little Bastard, a call to arms for those of us who have drifted in self-doubt, anonymity, and loneliness. The sensitive lyrics are matched perfectly by a wistful melody, a powerful bass line, and a soaring instrumental bridge. In our own way, all of us have been "misfits," failures at love or work, "neglected middle sons," or "farmer's ugly daughters." Yet, we are here, whole and complete after all, not despite our experiences, but because of them. This is what Misfit celebrates. You need to get this CD!"”

“(Regarding the 209 CD "Me") "Rob Roper's music is filled with wry observations of the world around him and us. He shares his unique viewpoint of personal stories and makes each audience member sit and think...'Hey, I've been through that.'"”

Robert Mattson - (unpublished)