Home  Reviews Romans - King Fisher
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Written by Mary
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Sunday, 23 April 2006 |
Romans are accessible, hip, magnetic; a melodious indie rock band with a distortive edge. The Romans’ Myspace website offers that the band has a “slightly dark brand of indie rock-influenced pop” song structure. Romans’ recently released album, King Fisher, delivers this darker and more bitter version of a sweet and catchy conventional indie rock offering.
Members of Romans are Allison Demaree (vocals/synth/keys,) Adam Bodnar (bass,) Jason Bohan (guitar,) Grant Smith (drums,) and Mike Skeeters (vocals/viola/guitar.) Band members’ combined musical innovation and laid-back persona have generated intrigue and a good local following in the Fort Wayne music scene.
Romans utilize the vocal talents of the mysterious Skeeters and ingénue Demaree to create a salient combination of dissonance and charm in their sound and aura. Skeeters’ voice recalls Pixies singer Frank Black. The dynamic created by male-female harmonics amidst distortion and uncanny instrumentation are also reminiscent of the full sound and chill presence of the Pixies. This comparison rings true most in regards to overall feel and song structure rather than sound, as Romans has a unique neuvo-indie edge to their melodies.
The stage presence of Romans serves to build anticipation for eclipses of songs and brief stronger releases of emotion. Every Romans show I’ve attended has made me feel anxious yet fulfilled by the end of the show. Skeeters and Demaree in particular seem to be full of pent-up emotion to be let out in controlled doses. They come across as cool and private yet teasingly inviting- translating the emotions in their songs succinctly and strikingly.
The use of ancient Roman themes throughout the King Fisher album could be interpreted either literally or figuratively. Other lyrical content proves more personal and pensive. King Fisher begins with “S.S. Notaship,” a haunting yet driving song which flows into the stunning “Eyes Dyed Purple.” “Eyes Dyed Purple” is a vibrant, enigmatic anthem urging listeners to “join our legions.” The album-closer, “Thinking is Hard,” is distortion-laden and well-orchestrated.
Catchy and full of distinct instrumentation, King Fisher is an album that gets better with each listen. Try and see this band live if you can, for the shows are always intimate and atmospheric. |
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