Graham Reid | | <1 min read
Radio Song
We came upon this band out of Portland – who define the description “mellow” – by chance a while back and their 2023 Garden Party album became a go-to CD for car journeys of some length.
This new album of quiet country-rock, pedal steel-coloured material is more of the same if slightly less so in that the pulse is just slightly slower for the most part.
But if the idea of driving top-down through LA or the great desert spaces appeals then the Rose City Band – lead by Ripley Johnson of Wooden Shjips and Moon Duo – will be an essential traveling companion.
Or for when you are just nodding off in the hammock.
The album title means sun and shade, which is quite a clue.
The more uptempo numbers are terrific (Lights on the Way and Open Roads which set the album up) but The Walls right at the end shouldn't be played if you are tired out there on the highway, you will be daydreaming and nodding off to its sleepwalking melody.
If they are new to you perhaps start with Garden Party and see how you go. It'll doubtless lead you here eventually.
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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here
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