Reviews

The Roomsounds’ Good Company

Posted by on October 15, 2021 at 8:15 am


By Brian Rock

Texas rockers, The Roomsounds, pay a visit with their third album, Good Company. Drawing on diverse influences ranging from the country rock of Poco, to the proto-punk of Gram Parsons; The Roomsounds create hook-laden songs that play like classic 70s rock as interpreted by your favorite twenty first century bands.

“In Over My Head” captures the band’s essence. Pounding drums, soaring guitar licks and barrelhouse piano start the song with a bang. Like “Stay With Me,” by Faces, the song just gets your blood pumping from the opening notes. Singing about a yearning desire that’s so strong it’s painful, lead singer Ryan Michael moans: “Strange feeling coming over me – this isn’t love, this is misery.” The energy of the song perfectly matches the adrenaline rush of love’s first sting. Despite its intensity, it never loses its harmonious melody; a perfect balance between raging hormones and romantic love. Emulating love’s power, the song erupts in the final thirty seconds with intense, guitar hero pyrotechnics.

Not content to just mine one subgenre of rock for inspiration, The Roomsounds offer a smorgasbord of 1970’s -2010’s musical delicacies to enjoy. They blend Poco and Gerry Rafferty influences on the steel guitar Country Rock of “Betty Jean.” “Big Shot,” captures the laid-back festival rock of The Chris Robinson Brotherhood while offering the sage advice: “In time we become who we are.” “Blame It On The Liars,” is pure Oasis. The jangly, power pop of “Lightning,” recalls early Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.  “Spinnin’” showcases the heavier, atmospheric sounds of Widespread Panic. “Take Me As I Am,” follows the indie rock sensibilities of Ryan Adams. The bluesy, southern rock of “Uptown,” is heavily influenced by The Black Crowes. The artful melodies of The Connells abound in “Waiting On The Storm.” “We Can’t Lose,” pays tribute to the retro-coolness of Nick Lowe. “Win Lose or Draw,” departs from rock influences entirely and leans heavily on the Americana stylings of Darrell Scott.

Clearly, this is a band that’s done its musical homework. With so many stellar musical influences at their disposal, they’re sure to strike a familiar and favorable chord with any Rock fan who’s ever taken the time to spin vinyl. They say you’re only as good as the company you keep. So, with influences from Gerry Rafferty to Tom Petty to Oasis, The Roomsounds are in, “Good Company,” indeed.

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Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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