Hey guys, Joe A here with another one for ya! You know, I really wanted to like Zernell Gillie ROCK, but...... On paper, this had the makings of something with real attitude: a citrus-metallic opening, some sharp electric brightness, then a darker slide into resinous musk from the opoponax and olibanum. I was expecting stage lights, amplifier buzz and a little incense smoke curling through the chaos. Instead? Everything feels muted, tame and strangely neutered. For a fragrance called ROCK, this doesn’t kick the door open. It politely knocks, waits to be invited in and then apologizes for tracking dirt on the carpet. The lime, yuzu and metallic musk should have given this thing some edge, but they feel turned way down, like someone unplugged the guitar before the solo. The resins never really growl either. They just sort of hum in the background, behaving themselves like they’ve got a curfew. And that’s the problem. ROCK, as a concept, should have some rebellion to it! It should feel textured, loud, smoky, gritty, electric or at least a little dangerous. This smells more like a clean rehearsal space than a sweaty stage.... Not a terrible fragrance. Just a frustrating one. First sniff? Like a big hair metal band reunion tour where the guitars are quiet, the leather is pleather and the only thing still growing is the Rogaine bill!!

Today, after my shoot, I happened to be in Houston near the Galleria. I decided to take a bit of time and wander around and maybe check out some of the perfume stores, and I stumbled across the Amouage boutique. Picture in your head like the deepest, darkest forest, and all of a sudden, a ray of light shines through the canopy and alights on the front entrance like the finger of God telling you this is the start of your next side quest. And holy shit. The Amouage store is fucking amazing. They had every single Amouage I could think of, including the pure oil attars that you never see anywhere. I told the sales clerk I was just browsing and wasn't prepared to buy anything, and he still took the time to walk me through everything they had. I got to test a lot of stuff that I've been dying to try out, but that aren't carried at the department stores. I got to try out Journey, Decisions, Beach Hut, Outlands, Purpose 50 (which he generously sprayed on me when I told him the original Purpose is one of my favorites), and we talked for a solid 30 minutes about the brand, the state of the industry, and what's coming. He is the second guy who works for Amouage that I have met who is extremely passionate. He did not care that I wasn't buying anything. Just loved talking about his brand. And not in a salesman kind of way, but in a knowledgeable, professional - this is what we're about, and I know my brand and want you to know about it, too, kind of way. As I was heading out, he handed me a half dozen samples - Purpose 50, Decision, King Blue, Reception, Journey, and Lyric. I was beaming the entire 3-hour drive back to Austin, and I've been enjoying the scent of Purpose 50 the whole way. When I got back, I met up with the girl I've been talking to, and she immediately was like "damn, you smell good!" I thought I was a little heavy, and apologized if it was too much, and she was like, "You smell like the nicest hotel I've ever been to." So..... saving up for a bottle of Purpose 50. And I think she's a keeper.

Going with this one today. I added this to my collection not long ago so I decided to give it try,even though it’s more of a winter/fall fragrance. Going to be out and about running some errands and dropping by the cigar shop/lounge to pick up a few sticks. From the opening it’s pretty zesty, fresh, and slightly aromatic. Definitely citrus and spice. Will update later today my thoughts after wearing it awhile.