Oh, Rose
I probably subscribe to more RSS music feeds than should be considered wise, especially - and lets be honest - there's a lot of bands and artists that get column inches primarily because they've featured in every other blog or magazine...
But every now and again you stumble upon an artist or band that deserves exposure and who makes you stop, sit-up, listen intently and think to yourself "wow - WTF!?!" - as I've previously blogged - here for instance...
So the thing is, any - ANY - band that on its latest release lists it's members as "Singinizin and guitarinatin, Bassitization and Drummmmmmin" is going to get my attention... especially when their songs sound this good...
The band in question is the Olympia, WA, trio Oh, Rose and the their songs are not only their new EP (or "double 'A' side single" if you're old skool) "1919," but as I've subsequently discovered, their entire back catalogue...
All Things Go has a pretty excellent review of this EP and the song "Lottery" - which rather than plagiarise I'll just let you click on the link. However, there is indeed a wondrous throwback to late 70's punk in the way the song bursts out of the starting gate (although to be fair, if it really was 70's punk, the count-in would have sounded more like "wuntwofreefor..."), but by the time "singinizin and guitarinatin" Olivia Rose's achingly wondrous tremolo-inflected vocals hit centre-stage (after about 15 seconds, if you're counting), it's fairly obvious that the band have a far wider and more contemporary sound readily at their fingertips... The end result is a wall of melodic, reverbed, fuzzy-guitar (and the last time I heard this much fuzz it was seriously in need of a shave) indie-pop that is married to incise, cutting lyrics and with the whole package expertly framed by Rose's distinctive vocals.
So the thing is, any - ANY - band that on its latest release lists it's members as "Singinizin and guitarinatin, Bassitization and Drummmmmmin" is going to get my attention... especially when their songs sound this good...
The band in question is the Olympia, WA, trio Oh, Rose and the their songs are not only their new EP (or "double 'A' side single" if you're old skool) "1919," but as I've subsequently discovered, their entire back catalogue...
All Things Go has a pretty excellent review of this EP and the song "Lottery" - which rather than plagiarise I'll just let you click on the link. However, there is indeed a wondrous throwback to late 70's punk in the way the song bursts out of the starting gate (although to be fair, if it really was 70's punk, the count-in would have sounded more like "wuntwofreefor..."), but by the time "singinizin and guitarinatin" Olivia Rose's achingly wondrous tremolo-inflected vocals hit centre-stage (after about 15 seconds, if you're counting), it's fairly obvious that the band have a far wider and more contemporary sound readily at their fingertips... The end result is a wall of melodic, reverbed, fuzzy-guitar (and the last time I heard this much fuzz it was seriously in need of a shave) indie-pop that is married to incise, cutting lyrics and with the whole package expertly framed by Rose's distinctive vocals.
The second song showcased on "1919", "Run" is a far more melancholic, bitter-sweet affair. Whereas "Lottery" is a veritable tour-de-force of guitar-fuelled indie-pop, "Run" is far more complex - there's a definite indie-folk vibe here - which (whisper it) stands comparison with Angel Olsen - that slowly evolves from the solid bass groove that permeates throughout this song, but again which ultimately showcases Olivia Rose's stunning tremolo - I'd argue that she has one of those voices that you'd willingly walk barefoot over hot coals to listen to...
Now Google may be your friend, but Oh, Rose haven't as yet left that big of an Internet footprint (this is going to change - mark my words) - what I've discovered is that having moved from North Carolina to Washington, solo artist Rose fell in with Liam Hindale (Drums) and Stephen Smith (Bass), and in the process adapted her primarily acoustic style to incorporate the pounding rhythm section these guys expertly provide.
Now Google may be your friend, but Oh, Rose haven't as yet left that big of an Internet footprint (this is going to change - mark my words) - what I've discovered is that having moved from North Carolina to Washington, solo artist Rose fell in with Liam Hindale (Drums) and Stephen Smith (Bass), and in the process adapted her primarily acoustic style to incorporate the pounding rhythm section these guys expertly provide.
Now I was feeling slightly guilty about the "name your price" offer available for "1919" via the band's Bandcamp page, and even more guilty when confronted by the very same offer for their debut, 2013's "A Date at The Guest House" (sorry, but I'm a poor blogger who has to buy all the records he reviews - on the one occasion that I did get a free download code, I still ended-up buying the record from the artist's website) - fortunately I could resolve my inner-guilt by stumping-up some hard-earned reddies for the band's "That Do Now See" EP...
But first thing's first. "A Date at The Guest House" is a quite beguiling four-track, single-take demo that was recorded in bassist Stephen Smith's bedroom (note to reader back in Blighty - Americans tend to have rather large bedrooms).
But first thing's first. "A Date at The Guest House" is a quite beguiling four-track, single-take demo that was recorded in bassist Stephen Smith's bedroom (note to reader back in Blighty - Americans tend to have rather large bedrooms).
It's primarily an acoustic set and there's a definite feeling of home-spun contemporary "Americana" on display - and, yes, while you could label Olivia in the same bracket as Angel Olsen (it's an obvious - though lazy comparison), Angel herself draws on this same rich musical heritage (that appears to be undergoing a bit of a resurgence of late).
The band's "That Do Now See" - an all to short five-track EP (released on the same day as "1919") - actually serves to bridge the gap between the bedroom demo and the aforementioned "1919" and especially "Run." It's a sombre, melancholy affair; bitter-sweet lyrics are complimented by a subdued lo-fi indie-folk soundtrack. Once again, however, it's Olivia Rose's breathtaking voice that draws you in hypnotically - and while the EP's opener "Prom" seems to be the track that blogs are homing in on - I'm thoroughly entranced by the haunting closing number "Into the chorus," of which I can't get enough...
Oh, Rose - take it from me - here's a band that it is going to be well worth keeping an eye and ear out for...
Oh, Rose's Bandcamp page
Comments
Post a Comment