Artist Review: Roses & Revolutions, Self-Titled EP
Artist: Roses & Revolutions
EP: Roses & Revolutions
Genre: Folk Pop
RIYL: The Lumineers, Ingrid Michaelson, Phillip Phillips, Vanessa Carlton
Upon the first listen to “Take Me With You,” you will probably think you’ve heard this song before. And there’s a very good chance you have; or at least some iteration of it. Roses & Revolutions is duo Alyssa Coco and Matt Merritt, and they’ve experienced a pretty straight trajectory skipping right up to the licensing/touring level. Which is unusual for an indie act that’s new to the scene. At the beginning of this month, Roses & Revolutions released their self-titled sophomore EP, an effort that belies this relatively new pairing of artists.
The aforementioned “Take Me With You” will undoubtedly draw parallels to The Lumineers and Phillip Phillips (an American Idol alum, just like Coco) and rightly so; but there is an undeniable buoyancy and charming appeal driven by an uptempo percussion display, steady acoustic guitar work and warm but sharp vocals by Coco. This one’s a crowdpleaser that’s easy to tap your toe with and sing along to, and displays a facility for writing a simple melody executing it perfectly.
“These Walls” finds a sweet spot somewhere between country and pop, again playing upon the simplicity of a melody that lulls the listener to lean in and focus on the ebb and flow of Coco’s pristine vocals. There’s a sweet richness to her voice, and she capitalizes on her range. This is one of those deceptively easy, simple tunes that shows a massive amount of restraint and ability on repeated listens. Similarly, “Down” explores even moodier, more lush-sounding accompaniment complete with strings and building slowly to its climax. Of all the songs on the EP, this is the one that definitely evokes a strong sense of imagery and seems built for soundtrack work.
“Boomerang” lightens and brightens the mood quickly, with a playful rhythm and light, effective background guitar work. Coco’s vocals again show a deft and light touch, and a maturity that gives breathes joyful life into this song. A well-placed guitar break and truly lovely stretch of vocal interplay in the back minute of this tune really put this over the top and leave this set of songs on a high note.
This self-titled EP by Roses & Revolutions definitely makes a good first impression, but it’s the repeated listens that reveal the artistry and technical proficiency that underlie their radio-ready material. And that’s a good place to be. The versatility of movement and melody is indicative that this duo has that intangible quality that makes magic when they come together. It’s understated, and at times quite elegant. Roses & Revolutions hit their stride right out of the gate, and this sophomore record proves it wasn’t beginner’s luck.
Roses & Revolutions website: http://www.rosesandrevolutions.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_roses_revolutions_roses_revolutions)
EP: Roses & Revolutions
Genre: Folk Pop
RIYL: The Lumineers, Ingrid Michaelson, Phillip Phillips, Vanessa Carlton
Upon the first listen to “Take Me With You,” you will probably think you’ve heard this song before. And there’s a very good chance you have; or at least some iteration of it. Roses & Revolutions is duo Alyssa Coco and Matt Merritt, and they’ve experienced a pretty straight trajectory skipping right up to the licensing/touring level. Which is unusual for an indie act that’s new to the scene. At the beginning of this month, Roses & Revolutions released their self-titled sophomore EP, an effort that belies this relatively new pairing of artists.
The aforementioned “Take Me With You” will undoubtedly draw parallels to The Lumineers and Phillip Phillips (an American Idol alum, just like Coco) and rightly so; but there is an undeniable buoyancy and charming appeal driven by an uptempo percussion display, steady acoustic guitar work and warm but sharp vocals by Coco. This one’s a crowdpleaser that’s easy to tap your toe with and sing along to, and displays a facility for writing a simple melody executing it perfectly.
“These Walls” finds a sweet spot somewhere between country and pop, again playing upon the simplicity of a melody that lulls the listener to lean in and focus on the ebb and flow of Coco’s pristine vocals. There’s a sweet richness to her voice, and she capitalizes on her range. This is one of those deceptively easy, simple tunes that shows a massive amount of restraint and ability on repeated listens. Similarly, “Down” explores even moodier, more lush-sounding accompaniment complete with strings and building slowly to its climax. Of all the songs on the EP, this is the one that definitely evokes a strong sense of imagery and seems built for soundtrack work.
“Boomerang” lightens and brightens the mood quickly, with a playful rhythm and light, effective background guitar work. Coco’s vocals again show a deft and light touch, and a maturity that gives breathes joyful life into this song. A well-placed guitar break and truly lovely stretch of vocal interplay in the back minute of this tune really put this over the top and leave this set of songs on a high note.
This self-titled EP by Roses & Revolutions definitely makes a good first impression, but it’s the repeated listens that reveal the artistry and technical proficiency that underlie their radio-ready material. And that’s a good place to be. The versatility of movement and melody is indicative that this duo has that intangible quality that makes magic when they come together. It’s understated, and at times quite elegant. Roses & Revolutions hit their stride right out of the gate, and this sophomore record proves it wasn’t beginner’s luck.
Roses & Revolutions website: http://www.rosesandrevolutions.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_roses_revolutions_roses_revolutions)
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