Roses and Cigarettes fuse thoughtful, heartfelt songwriting with stunning vocals and expressive guitar work, and this EP is a must for genuine music fans far and wide.
Americana
“I was told I couldn’t sing, that I wasn’t good enough on guitar & that I sucked as a musician. Each time I was told I wasn’t good enough I tried harder, to the point where I have evolved into the artist I am now. Now I make music for the love.”
This album has the power to take you somewhere else for a while – maybe to the lake-side motorcycle festival, or the depths of the West country for an all nighter at the bar with some live bands. It’s a mighty collection & would make for a fitting, refreshing gift for those who’ve almost lost faith in the future of classic blues rock & roll.
The song itself promotes appreciation in a glorious way and this too adds to the heartfelt vibe of the whole moment. Stunning work, a pleasure to add to the playlist.
There’s a clear level of freedom within the writing, a certain sense of being carefree – lost in the harmony, wrapped up in the melody – and thanks to all of this in unison, the effect passes over to you as you listen.
Monkey Fighters bring together superb guitar work, sensational energy levels, and an undeniable closeness and connection when it comes to performing as a group.
An interesting collection for its gathering of ideas and its musical prowess combined. In many ways the songs are unpredictable, but in many others they feel familiar and comforting.
The whole thing feels like a live, in the moment, unedited outburst of expression & personal turmoil. As he wanders off creatively into his thoughts & into this moment, you can’t help but follow him.
Throughout this project you get a series of stories that appear close to the songwriter’s heart & experiences in life. It feels personal, but the details are accessible – even vague – so they can easily be applied to the lives of listeners far & wide.
This album moves from good to great the further you get into it – this latter half increases your belief in that significantly. The second time you listen to these songs they hit with a whole new level of impact.
At only four tracks long there isn’t a great deal of time to express themselves within or to make an impact, but somehow they’ve managed both to an impressive degree. It all feels very natural & that lets it connect & entrance its audience.
The chord progression & the organic swagger of the instrumentation create something cool & thoughtful. All of this accompanies the softness of the vocal delivery, these almost whispered moments captivate entirely.