Rosebuds
Loud Planes Fly Low
Merge
You’d think after six albums, the Rosebuds would be better known than they are. Admittedly, the personnel changes that have plagued them from the very beginning – along with an often times frustrating attempt to establish their own identity — have hamstrung their efforts to entrench themselves in the indie firmament. New album, Loud Planes Fly Low, finds them pulling out all the ammunition in their arsenal to gain the traction that’s averted them so far, and while it’s not so much a drastic departure, it does etch an impression that will hopefully serve them well. The cushy harmonies that grace the first two tracks, “Go Ahead” and “Limitless Arms,” provide a promising beginning and the buoyant pop that bolsters “Come Visit Me” serves that purpose equally well. Still, all is not rosy in the Rosebuds’ world – “Without a Focus” and “Waiting For You” find them in contemplative mode and their resurgence via the dance designs of “Woods” seems somewhat forced and perfunctory. The dreamy stance of “A Story” may be the most distracting divergence however, given a wailing vocal that brings to mind Robert Plant cooing and crooning back in the day. Still, you have to give credit to a band that’s willing to expand its own parameters and in that regard, it’s clear the Rosebuds are still in full bloom. – Lee Zimmerman
Lee Zimmerman is a contributor to a variety of publications, including Blurt, M Music & Musicians, New Times, Goldmine and Amplifier
This review appears courtesy of Amplifier, 50,000 Watts of Non-Stop Indie Rock http://amplifiermagazine.blogspot.com/
