Low As The Moon
POprOck, 2017
9/10
The always unpredictable and impressive Arrica Rose finds herself and her band residing in some form of California folk-pop here, where vintage rock’n’roll nods are in attendance that give Low As The Moon a very classic feel.
Rose starts the listen with the warm and expressive “All And None Of These Things”, where her breathy vocals align with spirited guitar work in a darkly textured folk atmosphere, and “Whole Lotta Lows” follows with much beauty as pop friendly melody surrounds the dreamy, inviting display.
There’s 13 tracks here, and each one is substantial, including the bare but impactful “Angels And Whiskey”, where a poetic climate is accented by Rose’s stirring pipes, while “Molecules In Bloom” benefits greatly from a reflective tone that even brings some playful singing. ”Bobby”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a melodic and buzzing rocker that’s both cautious and frisky and so, so memorable.
Further still, “Summer Somewhere” finds itself in very soft territory, where Rose’s light singing is met with soothing strings, and “Youth Are Wasted” exits the listen with another slow burner as sparse percussion complements the emotive landscape and gentle guitar lines.
Rose has come a long way from her teenage years playing in punk bands, as she embraces Americana, pop, rock and even moments of grit that point to her formative years on this lyrically eloquent and musically rich effort.
Travels well with: Kate Tucker & The Sons Of Sweden- The Shape The Color The Feel; Lydia Luce- Azalea