Le Bateau

Rook And The Ravens

Independent release, 2020

http://rookandtheravens.com

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/02/2020

A UK quintet who has been honing their craft since 2007, Rook And The Ravens has a knack for pop-friendly song craft that embraces indie rock, alt rock, and even Brit rock. On this fourth album, the band ups the ante with an incredible chemistry where each track brings you on a glorious, exciting, and sometimes exhilarating journey. my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

“Don't Come Home (With Blood On Your Hands And Expect Me To Want The Truth)” starts the listen with buzzing alt-rock before settling into with some calmer folk rock ideas where expressive vocals align with the incredibly dynamic rhythm section. “Pictures Of You” follows with a punchy spirit of energetic, power pop ideas.

On an album with nothing but standout tracks, “Dig” trims the pace back with plenty of soaring backing vocals and firm sing-along potential, while “Morning Shakes” is a vocally strong and anthemic display of passionate and lively song craft that is so well done, it could make Rook And The Ravens a household name. The brief “Opening Up” then channels their inner Beatles with some retro-pop that's nostalgic and a welcomed surprise.

Deeper tracks offer us the stirring, guitar driven balladry of “Laundry” as well as the jangly fun of “When I Ran Ahead.” “Poppy On Your First Trip Home” exits the listen with the longest selection as piano guides the building rocker that erupts into an ebullient display of carefully controlled chaos.

Manchester has never been historically short on excellent music, and I feel quite confident we can speak of Rook And The Ravens in the same sentence as The Smiths, Oasis, and The Stone Roses with the existence of this fine album. This hasn't been an easy year for anyone, but if you're willing to devote some time, Le Bateau will inspire, uplift, and maybe even remind you of the power a song can wield on your well-being.

Rating: A

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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