Sometimes it takes me a really long time to give something a listen that it is worthy of. This record was released back in September 2013 and I am just digging in deep now…apologies to the RP gents, but it’s a solid collection of great rock songs that is great for this “the weather is getting warmer” time of year.
The Rotary Prophets ring nostalgia to me. With overdriven guitars, great harmonies on the turnaround hooks with everyone singing along, and drums, keys and a great bass line. It brings my back to when I listened to Root- Rock before I knew it as “Roots-Rock”. There are hints of alt-rock ala the Replacements, Uncle Tupelo reminiscent rootsy goodness, and a little something all their own. I guess in the way that it has a broad spectrum of people who will eat up the sound, it has a pop sentiment in some way, but its roots are dug deep in roaring electric guitars and killer vocal harmonies.
‘Sweet Vanessa’ has that great sing along chorus that everyone and hteir best friend in the club will be singing along to. The piano trembling in the background is just the right touch. The guitar solo with its overdriven tone sings over the background tunes.
“Rose Colored Glasses” is another fun sing along tune…a similar recipe giving the EP a nice flow, but with a different lead vocalist from the band to give it some variety as well. Those harmonies still very prevalent and the great instrumentation as the backbone of it all.
When it comes down to it, it’s just good time music. It’s a fun listen, has lines that a broad audience will latch on too. The Rotary Prophets “faith – lost – love” is a collection of tunes for any fan of rock n’ roll, with hints of a lot of other good stuff.