Papa Cougar was undecided when he first listened to The Roseville Band, and I could see why. His initial thumbs down turned into indecision on the second try, and perhaps even a guilty trace of enjoyment thereafter. Seeking an expert opinion, or maybe with better things to do, he asked me what I thought.
The album ‘Little Eyes in the Universe’ is the product of 6 talented musicians from Northern Wales, spearheaded by brothers Andy and Steve Jones, and centred on Andy’s very distinctive voice. Like a Welsh Axl Rose on a trip to Nashville, his whiny soulful vocals are choked and twisted, to mixed effect. I suppose you’ll embrace it or feel repulsed. It certainly has grown on me, but to what extent I cannot quantify. However, before passing judgment I ask you, dear Cougar reader, to abandon your habitual musical pretences and listen with virginal ears…
Dubbed “the Welsh Kings of Leon” by NME, their bluesy Britpop leans towards folk but is solidly propped against a rock backbone. ‘The Less I Want’ is a brilliant crescendo that starts with tame Mandolin and ends in raucous bliss; the cruising ‘Bring Down the Empire’; or the rocking and catchy “Boxer”; even “Tatters” has an appeal, despite occasionally sounding like the singer is regurgitating a hair from his throat.
Practically everything is spot on: the songs are well crafted, the production top-notch, the sound is full and enriched by two permanent horn players (as opposed to session musicians), and the musicianship is there. I guess it all boils down to the vocals, whose appeal might (or might not) be an acquired taste, one that will grow with time, wooing, whining, and luring you in with an originality that isn’t too devious…. or maybe you’re Welsh and you’ll love it unequivocally.
In any case, with a debut album out very soon and averaging 100 gigs a year, you might be hearing from The Roseville Band again, so don’t be too quick to dismiss them.
