Well about "bloomin'" time! My ever so beloved Scarlett's Roses have released their debut EP and I am more than pleased to confirm that it is an absolute rollicking corker :) Phew, eh? For well over a year now, I've been seduced by the ska-pop stylings of one of Britain's best unsigned bands as they've steadily built up a fanbase who appreciate their off-kilter approach to feelgood, jolly entertaining pop music. The EP, appropriately titled "Bloomin'" is the culmination of the band's work over the past 12 months or so - and not only serves as an excellent introduction to the likeable bunch, but also acts as an exquisite taster for things to come. Despite only being 4 songs long, the gang show a level of pop majesty that can be achieved in these 4 songs - while others struggle to match this in 14 song long albums. What really works well with Scarlett's Roses is how integral each member of the group is. Scarlett and each individual rose is a vital cog in this pop making machine. Even the EP cover art (above) reflects this perfectly (and Ryan & Dan are lookin' finger lickin' fine on it aren't they?!) - I like that Scarlett herself isn't in the centre and that all the band are shoulder to shoulder, looking like a bunch of mates waiting for a (tour) bus. And it's that everyman quality that certainly helps endear Scarlett's Roses to the masses - it gives the impression that even when they swap those tour buses from stretch limos, they will still crack open a tinny in the back seat and swap gossip about who did what last night down the local boozer. And all that just from the cover :) Now let's get to the songs themselves...
- King of Hearts ~ the EP opens with an absolute doozy and what should totally be the follow up single to Truth Be Told. With it's bubbling reggae tinged beat & some sumptuous sax (Will sure knows how to make that instrument come alive), it's the perfect setting for Ryan & Scarlett to weave their tale of fractious love - both sound mighty fine with Ryan taking the verses & Scarlett comandeering the chorus. In fact, as they sing of trying to rekindle the flame of love gone by, Ryan in particular injects a wistful longing into his vocals that gives the song an added resonance - positioned against Scarlett's sweetly sung response it's perfectly delivered. The group harmonies (which worked so well on Truth Be Told) are utilised again here to giddy effect, while Ollie's rap adds to the story, giving the people something to relate to. Love the switch in roles at the end when Ryan gets his chance at the chorus. It's all just perfect...
- Pulling Petals ~ While Scarlett's Roses imbue their music with hip hop and ska influences, there is no denying that at the heart of every tune is an entirely delightful pop song. It's like they craft the melody and lyrics first and then juhz it up to give it that indelible Scarlett's Roses appeal. And I love them for it. Pulling Petals is another brilliant example of this - it's a song that provokes memories in the listener of their own individual experience. And regardless of whether that be a good or bad experience, the music is so darn catchy and the delivery so darn enthusiastic that you can't help but want to get up and shake yo thang. Pulling Petals gives off a more retro vibe that recreates the sound of Madness or The Specials to glorious contemporary effect. It's got a slightly darker feel than the other songs on the EP but is no less singalong or mellifluous because of this - in fact, it delineates just how versatile the group can be in providing a musical soundtrack to differing emotions. There's a kinetic energy to the song that radiates out from your chosen audio method of listening, leaving you with a tangible frisson of excitement even when the song is over - so cleverly done for maximum impact...
- Back to Disneyland ~ This tale of a relationship that has lost a bit of it's sparkle sees Ryan and Scarlett wanting to return to the place where their love blossomed (Disneyland. I bet they got filthy on Pirates of the Caribbean the mucky pair)... Once again, what is brilliant about the song is that gives the male-female perspective through the different vocals. Scarlett has one of the sweetest pop voices this side of Voice of the Beehive, while Ryan's conversational singing style is utterly engaging. The two vocals play off each other to deliriously gleeful effect & equally genius is the observational rap that leads into a call & response ("I'm gonna spend it ('no you ain't')")... Add to this the ska inspired instrumental with soaring sax, effective hand claps, down and dirty bass (vaguely reminiscent of early No Doubt) that totally complement the personality of the song. That final chorus becomes a massive pub style sing a long that would sound aces in that setting but equally stirring chanted by thousands of people on a scorching summer evening at a music festival. And I can't help but feel that is where Scarlett's Roses music is heading. They represent the every man and woman through their cheeky scamp image & thoroughly addictive music - and the fact that it makes you feel so gosh darn tooting is far better than any anti depressant I've ever heard of :)
- Truth Be Told ~ This is always gonna be a bit special for me as it's the song that had me eternally smitten with the band from the very first time I heard it. It's the perfect closing number for the EP as it leaves you wanting oh so much more but with a sense of satisfaction so euphoric that you feel you should have a cigarette and change your sheets. You can read my original review of the song here, which also provides 15 highlights from the rather excellent accompanying video. Suffice to say, over 12 months on it's still one of the most effervescent pop tunes you will hear all the live long year.
Buy the EP on Amazon here...
Americanos! Buy here or here!
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