Altsounds - Haroula Rose

I got it into my head (somehow) that Haroula Rose was from elsewhere. Truth is Haroula Rose is a Californian lady through and through. With her influences from all different parts of the globe, its no wonder that there are so many different aspects to her sound. But, in the end, should we care where she is from? This is a charming vignette that somehow stands out from the Myspace crowds. Haroula Rose's five track EP "Someday" is a good length for an introduction to her sound. There is enough variety in there to keep it going, enough minor grit to wet the palette, and short enough to avoid filler syndrome. Haroula's website classifies her music as "indie / folk," but to those of us who live on the Euro side of the Atlantic, expect it to sound more than a bit alt-country Americana too. Although by no means identical, it will perhaps suit people who appreciate Laura Cantrell. (Which puts "Someday" right up my street)

Self titled opener 'Someday' is the most conventional track - it's sweet and it swings along in a comforting way. I do not want to say gentle because that undersells it. This one has the touch of nursery rhyme lilt - heck she even sings the words "Dum dum Dum da dum" but we will not hold that against her, provided she only does it just this once.

'Love Will Follow' is another quiet pleasure, but gives Haroula's voice a chance to show off more of its qualities set alongside finger picked acoustic strings, the vocal just pushes enough strains of urgency, bending the structure of the song sideways, to scratch the brain and demand listening to.

'If I Could Pray' begins with a hand clapped introduction following onto to the deeper meaning of Faith and God. Do not let that put off your cynical and jaded minds, we are here to listen to music. Actually, it's not some born-again yee-ha tripe, more the sort of search for the spiritual that hits many people at some time. Banjo, accordion and fiddle make this much less stripped, and just when we needed it.

'The Leaving Song' is the most country track on "Someday," what with the way Haroula Rose sings "darlin' please" and I realise then that it's the phrasing and up / down key change that puts me most in mind of the previously mentioned Ms. Cantrell. It's my least favourite song on "Someday," probably because it makes me suspect tricks of the trade. That means you, honky piano hiding behind the brushed snare, I know what you are up to with those hooks! Last track is 'Lay Me Down' and for whatever reason the opening bars hit the spot for me big time. I am not sure at first about the key change pauses, but in the end the counter point makes sense.

The album artwork is worth commenting on because it's a lovely thing of beauty - done by a real living person in New York. Check him out at NESSUS SHIRT COMPANY. This is Haroula Rose's first commercial recorded work and the lady herself writes endearingly on her blog about selling the first copy at a gig in April this year. I feel just a tiny bit privileged to have one in my hands, thanks.

Find the lady herself at Haroula on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads