Goat Roper Rodeo Band - Cosmic Country Live

by Nicky Crewe

published: 17 / 10 / 2016

Goat Roper Rodeo Band - Cosmic Country Live

Label: Aveline Records
Format: CD

Heartbreaking yet infectious second album from traditionally-influenced young Welsh country/folk group, the Goat Roper Rodeo Band

Review

This is the Goat Roper Rodeo Band's second album release, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios and produced by Romeo Stodart of the Magic Numbers. It features Michelle Stodart and Ren Harvieu on some of the harmony arrangements. The Goat Ropers are Thomas and Jim Davies (brothers) and Sam Roberts. They look the part, they sing the parts and they make up one of the most inspiring and original live bands you could ever wish to see. They are big favourites at my favourite local venue, Café No 9 in Nether Edge, Sheffield. They pack the place out each time they play. With their stand up bass, two guitars and sweet cosmic country harmonies, it’s been a real treat to get to know them. Steeped in the tradition that encompasses Gram Parsons, Waylon Jennings and Emmy Lou Harris among others, they are neither imitating nor interpreting. They are pure inspiration, writing their own material, songs which are worthy of being covered by any of the great names in cosmic American music, past or present. I’ve seen them play with other family members and there’s a generational influence. They have been brought up with this genre of music. Oh, and did I mention they are all in their early twenties and they come from North Wales? So, the songs on this album are familiar to me from their live performances and it’s great to be able to listen to them again. The first song, ‘I Got Room’, sets the tone, and is upbeat and plaintive in equal measure. The frantic pace of ‘Mean Man’ really is chasing it all away. ‘Blossom Blues’ is optimistic. The vocals on ‘Old Heart Ache’ crack with pain. ‘Old Joanna’ has gorgeous harmonies and a plaintive steel guitar to emphasise the longing. ‘Stick It on Red’ is upbeat and conjures up a vision of gamblers in a smokey saloon. ‘Rhythm of Love’ is pure disappointment with a good riddance swing. ‘Catch Me if You Can’ takes us out on the train tracks, heading south of the border and manages to be desperately sad and irresistibly upbeat at the same time. This misery is there to enjoy! ‘My Sweet Woman’ has the sweetest harmonies. ‘Don’t Believe in You’ is a heartbreaking tale of loss, lies and betrayal. ‘Tomb Stone’ takes us way out west, where there are dues to be paid. ‘Hey Chuck’ is sung in a voice croaking with experience, unexpected in one so young. They are a great band and this is a fantastic collection of songs. Listen and then try and catch them live. They really are something else and their commitment to their music is infectious.