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Review: Rosco Bandana: Time To Begin [Album]

Hard Rock Records // "Never anything less than completely beguiling"

by BenG_Writes, September 22nd, 2012 and has been Read 1836 times.
Last Edited by: Chris MUG5 Maguire September 23rd, 2012.

With the worlds supply of patience for alternative indie-folk dwindling, it seems foolish to try to break into the scene now. Rosco Bandana must have sensed this, and that's why they bring a whole host of influences together to kick life back into contemporary folk.

Time to Begin is the bands full length debut, but the freshness they inject into each lilting note contrasts with a confidence and deftness of expression that could fool you into thinking that Rosco Bandana had been playing together twenty years or more. At times resembling a more whimsical Bright Eyes, at others a less intricate Arcade Fire, and more than once sounding like a young Kings of Leon, Rosco Bandana are never anything less than beguiling.

WATCH // Rosco Bandana - Time to Begin

Singer Jason Sanford brings a distinct, early Dylan-like voice to proceedings, belying his relatively young age. Raspy, but in what seems like a time-weathered Mississippi drawl. Sanford's voice fits so well with the Rosco Bandana's sound that he could easily pass as a seasoned singer, pickled with whiskey and smoke just as all good country and folk singers are.

That's not to say the seven-piece group are entirely dependent on the young singer; the entire band is on top form throughout the album, with backup singers Jennifer Flint and Emily Sholes a perfect counterbalance to the gravel voice of Sanford. Rosco Bandana showcase their harmonious communion with opening track 'Time to Begin', combining traditional rock guitar with hints of soul, blues and country, and Time to Begin continues on in a similar fashion.

The frequent use of the organ, banjo and Mandolin will inevitably lead to labels of neo-country Americana, but in truth a description like that would dismiss so many other fascinating aspects of the band. Their newly released single 'Woe is Me' has a power only usually present in all out stadium rock ballads, but in the septets hands the track sounds like it would be even more fun in a back-country bar, surrounded by rowdy Southern drinkers.

Rosco Bandana haven't produced a perfect album here, but it is exceptional in its sincerity and aural appeal. The balance between the energetic foot-tapping tracks such as 'Tangled Up' and the steady sombre songs like the albums closer 'Long Way Down' round the whole album off well, but more importantly keep you listening to the final moment, and boy will you be glad you did.

Rosco Bandana are currently on a US tour with the following dates still to play:

• 09.23 - The Pour House Music Hall - Raleigh, NC
• 09.25 - Hill Country Live - Washington, DC
• 09.27 - Rock Shop - Brooklyn, NY
• 09.28 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
• 09.29 - The Abbey Bar @ Appalachian - Harrisburg, PA
• 09.30 - Gunners Run - Philadelphia, PA
• 10.04 - Founder's Brewing Co. - Grand Rapids, MI
• 10.05 - Martyrs' - Chicago, IL
• 10.11 - Martin's Downtown - Roanoke, VA
• 10.12 - Jack Of The Wood - Asheville, NC
• 10.13 - Musicians Corner - Nashville, TN
• 10.18 - Chelsea's Cafe - Baton Rouge, LA
• 10.19 - Jacktoberfest - Hal & Mal's - Jackson, MS
• 10.20 - Benny's Boom Boom Room - Hattiesburg, MS
  11.03 - The Mint Supper Club - Los Angeles, CA
• 11.04 - Hotel Utah Saloon - San Francisco, CA

To find out more visit the bands Facebook here.

Time to Begin is released on September 25 on Hard Rock Records.