Lacklustre Folk
The twee country folk style of Nizlopi managed to break the UK charts as a novelty act earlier this year, while Dead Roses offer the same melodic and simplistic sound, they are earnest about their intentions. Opening track 'Withersfarm Ghillie' is tender and delicate in its feeling guitarwork and pained vocals crying, "We are all so alone"; unfortunately with the tune not offering too much drive or charisma, the band may find themselves on the lonely side with this one. Fortunately the next track, 'If Things Get Weird' is more emotional and charming, with a lovely move from the minor verse to the more upbeat chorus.
'The World You All See' is perhaps one of the most accessible ballads with a gentle, lifting strings behind the rippling guitar and wispy vocals; it's a relief to have enjoy a simple ballad with having it transformed into a power ballad with rock guitars as seems to happen so often. John and Ben do indeed play music from the heart, but it lacks a little in vigour and the 13 tracks seems to dwindle and meander into each other; perhaps such a long album is a little ambitious for an un-established band.
The tunes are delicate and lyrics well-written, "I've stopped walking cos I'm too afraid of falling" muses singer Ben in '1985' but there's often little variation in chords or structure. Thankfully 'Winter' introduces a piano which sparkles with discontent and an edge of discomfort breaks through the vocals, making this one of the outstanding tracks. 'God Knows I'm Trying' evokes similar imagery of the devil, and an almost religious air of desperation again takes over the music, transforming it into something far more powerful than the majority of the album. 'Together' is an earnest track that could charm plenty of audiences, and it's numbers like this which could help Dead Roses make a name for themselves.
The songs are essentially well-written and have touching lyrics, but their essence just doesn't come across; perhaps if Ben and John supplemented their duo with some percussion they could have the poignant effect that they so desire, although seeing as they only formed in 2005, this could develop over time.