Review Summary: Better than average post hardcore from Harford County, MD. Check it out for a taste of the local scene.
Rosiere is a post hardcore band based out of Harford County, MD consisting of some of the youngest musicians in the local scene. The style of music they play is neither completely innovative, but it isn’t washed up and boring like most of the local scene ‘round here. (Metalcore...) In fact, upon first listen to their debut full length “We Wait In Rising Water,” I found myself pondering whether or not the local scene is as dead as it sometimes seems on nights at the Recher when the bill consists of a handful of local cookie-cutter Bring Me The Horizon lookalikes. The answer is a resounding “maybe not.”
Sure, bands like Rosiere pop up all the time. Post hardcore riffing backed by clean singing that oftentimes leads into a screamed passage, maybe a nifty bass groove or drum fill once in a while. The occasional breakdown for good measure. Its nothing special or particularly unique, but when it’s done well it can be entertaining. Rosiere certainly know their craft, and considering this is their first full length, there is a surprising amount of depth to be found on this disc.
The best part of the band is indisputable; the vocals. Definite parallels can be drawn to Jonny Craig and Will Swan of Dance Gavin Dance, albeit Rosiere’s vocalist is obviously nowhere on par with Craig. (Inflamed ego or not, the man’s got pipes.) That’s not to say he isn’t good though, its a respectable enough impersonation. The screams aren’t as prevalent as the clean singing, but they’re there, and are of an adequate caliber.
The backing band is less impressive, but certainly competent. The guitarists take cues from various post hardcore acts, but they inject a certain personal flair in the music that is often absent from local acts, and at least the majority of the riffs don’t sound like they were lifted off an Oceana B-Side. The drummer, apart from being a nice guy and sending me the tracks off here for free, is certainly skilled behind his kit, employing many different techniques and skills. Its not complicated or particular inventive, but it fits the music well. The bass... we all know that the bassist may as well not even be in the band, though you can hear him break through at times.
The negative aspects of the album, while few, are glaring flaws. For ten tracks, one would hope for some variety, but the songs tend to blend together. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as what is here is good, but its relatively forgettable. There isn’t an amazing level of technicality or skill here, but as we all know, technical doesn’t equal good, and Rosiere capitalizes on this. Pick up this album for a nice dose of the local MD music scene.
Reccommended Tracks:
Discord
Pacemaker
Your Life On Screen
Cardiatrophy
