While there is indeed a LOT of crap music out there, we tend to be pretty biased when it comes to local artists. Luckily, that bias tends to be backed up on the regular when it comes to our home state and especially when it comes to Lowell’s own RoseR whose latest self-titled release is a tranquil slice of Alt meets Folk meets Americana that you didn’t know you needed in your life right now.
“Little Stitches” is that type of song with so much going on that it requires, like the best kinds of music, repeated listens to really appreciate some of the more subtle intricacies. Mary Dumont’s voice in particular is just a frickin’ breath of fresh air and requires a deep dive here, and throughout this record, to properly cherish just one of RoseR’s many secret weapons.
Then there’s the dueling wizardry of Kevin Conway’s riffs and Johnny Gelsomini’s keys in a no holds barred jam out further into “Wandering” as more displays of those secret weapons within RoseR. Barring the concluding groove fest, “Wandering” is a little more laid back beginning with a spacey Jazz that gives way to some bluesy licks from both guitars and Steve Sommers’ bass that are a little akin to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Speaking of the South, there’s nothing quite as obvious as the twang from Conway and Gelsomini that’s ever present in “Health and Safety” for some down home feels from the Northeast.
“Lick Your Fingers” is a ramblin’ rose of moves and grooves that’s a little reminiscent of Jamiroquai if stripped down with Dumont flexing her vocal pipes in new and extraordinary ways while “Victory Lap” is kind of this turning point and a mix of The Doors with the organ tones but interspersed with RoseR’s brand of funkified Alt-soul as Jared Duff’s drumming suavely shuffles along and a trumpet accompaniment accents the electric aura.
You know those experimental ditties/hidden gems that started to come out after the Grunge scene exploded in the ’90’s? Well, “Song Doe” kind of reminds us of that and Alice In Chains’ Sap EP in particular as Dumont’s haunting vocal echoes the great Ann Wilson from “Brother” a little. “Low” is glistening with some brilliant vocal harmonies underscored by some especially serene licks from Conway until “Drip” puts a bow on this glorious present that RoseR has bestowed upon us all with Dumont’s masterful wordplay on full display as childlike piano lines drop in and out of the forefront to create the most magical moment.
RoseR is out now and can be yours THIS INSTANT by clicking here or on the Bandcamp stream below. For the latest on RoseR head on over to the fabled information superhighway by clicking here or here.