Feel Me Don't You

Somehow a band known as The Rosebuds has slipped through my radar undetected since 2003 and they’ve just released their 4th album, Life Like.   It’s not all that surprising that a band named after the bud of a rose would escape my attention but after one listen I was impressed.  After four listens, I was in love.  (The wedding is next summer).

The Rosebuds are essentially Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp from Raleigh, NC, but Life Like features guest appearances by Matthew McCaughan (Portastastic) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). Howard and Crisp are married to each other and began making music together in college. They each handle vocal, guitar, keyboard and drumming duties.

The album opens with the stark title track, which pleasantly reminds me of the band Interpol circa 2002.  Continuing that mood, yet still gaining momentum, is the puzzling-but-danceable Cape Fear, which is based around the story of a man-eating catfish.  Seriously.  There aren’t any songs on this album that I felt the urge to skip, but Another Way In was probably my least favorite.  Lyrics like “If you don’t love me now / I’ll die from inside out” are thankfully saved by a swarming, lush wall of sound.  Another notable track is the whistle-laden Hello Darlin, an instrumental piece that wouldn’t sound a bit out of place on an M Ward album. I also have to give a nod to Nice Fox, a charming meditation on the discovery of a dead fox in a recently collapsed barn.

The Rosebuds have a gift for weaving their musical styles seamlessly, as well as their bright and dark sides.  Albums such as Life Like have a special place in my music collection because of their ability to suit many moods and occasions.  Clocking in at a mere 33 minutes,  most of the excess fat has been trimmed and I’m pleased with the lean and fulfilling final product.

- Craig Williams

You might like them if you like: The Republic Tigers, The Raveonettes, The Sleepy Jackson
Release Date: October 7, 2008
Length: 33:22
Label: Merge Records
www.therosebuds.com