The band blends modern indie rock in the vein of the Pogues and Elliott Smith with traditional American roots music.
At first impression, Rose`s Pawn Shop comes off as a kick-ass bluegrass band of the traditional variety. But so many things quickly inform your perception of this Los Angeles area quintet that no one pigeon fits the hole. One thing is certain, though; their warmth and energy is super satisfying. The nervous system of the band is decidedly rock `n` roll, with resounding drums and blazing electric guitars ready to flare. But the blood is a rural type composed of banjos, acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, pedal-steel, and acoustic bass, which at times carries the groove with tight rockabilly slap action. Unusual for bluegrass, but perfectly in line here with so many other influences seamlessly infusing the body of their exciting sound; pop, rock, punk, classic and honky-tonk country all work together never leaving a disparate mix in the wake. Lyricist and lead vocalist Paul Givant offers an inviting focal point with a lilting melodic flair, at times sounding a bit like Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. But mostly his congenial voice is a warm and sympathetic force - filled with equal parts yearning and wonder - pained just enough to convey the classic themes of heartache that inspire all great country songs. The band`s collectively composed material leaves plenty of room for harmonies, coming from both within the group and with the help of friends. The chooglin`, Western-themed "Lone Rider" has a congregational call and response quality and is an exciting standout. But then again, it`s one church on fire against the backdrop of an entire city ablaze. -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (self-released)
nstrumentation
Paul Givant: Lead Vocals, Guitar and Banjo
Sebastian St. John: Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Lyra and Accordion
Bill Clark: Vocals, Banjo, Pedal Steel Guitar and Electric Guitar
Derek O’Brien: Upright Bass, Electric Bass and Gut Bucket Thomas Hartwick: Vocals, Drums
Biography:
It may come as a surprise to hear the foot-stomping sounds of Appalachian bluegrass channeled through a rock band of 20-somethings here in Los Angeles, but heartache, loss and regret have always been the cornerstones of great music and this city has its share. In a town better known for porn stars and face lifts, anything as authentic and heartfelt as Rose’s Pawn Shop is a pleasant surprise.
With an arsenal of banjos, guitars, mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel, upright bass and thundering drums their sound is a wholesome mishmash of creek mud, rusty nails and your mom’s cookin’. It’s sincere, straight-forward and sexy as fuck, effortlessly combining such disparate musical styles as rock, country, bluegrass and punk to create an incomprehensibly smooth and accessible sound for true believers and skeptics alike.
With wisdom beyond their years, the boys fearlessly confront traditional country music themes of loss, lamentation and redemption, while throwing in some drinking songs for good measure. Sure, they’re borrowing pages from the books of Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, and Johnny Cash, but Rose’s Pawn Shop takes those pages, tears them up and sets them on fire with breakneck speed, bluegrass instrumentation, three- and four-part vocal harmonies and lyrics that’ll break your heart.
Whether it’s the hard-hitting snake-charm-thump of “Lone Rider,” the wistful whisky-soaked wisdom of “Down the Line,” the honky-tonk ruckus of “Funeral Pyre” or the Gypsy-infused mandolin twang of “Reckoning,” the boys will hook you. Like catfish from the creek, they’ll reel you in, and they won’t let you go.
And you’ll be glad they did.
Because something happens when you hear these songs. No matter how low you’ve sunk, something in the music finds you. It picks you up and carries you home.
Websites:
http://www.rosespawnshop.com
http://www.myspace.com/rosespawnshop
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