Loose Music has an exceptional track record of unearthing talent across the roots spectrum and gift wrapping it to new audiences. From the fiery merging of punk into alt-country to the heavenly tones of gorgeous singer-songwriter folk, artists jump on and off the vehicle of promotion always significantly well served with new listeners in tow. California singer-songwriter Angelica Rockne absolutely falls into the latter camp perpetually coaxing listeners into a spirited bloom of reverie. THE ROSE SOCIETY is rinsed in cinematic sensation as ten meticulously self-written songs spiral upwards into the cloud-laced mind of an artist hooked into the zone. It is all too easy to be caught in a trickle of drip fed splendour and open your own senses to music blessed with a spiritual presence.
If you seek a couple of contemporary associations, the surefire starting point is being serenaded by shades of Courtney Marie Andrews in the achingly elegant opener 'Age of the Voyeur'. This striking start to a record wonderfully sets the tone and creates a template that won't be veered much from. Midway through the 42-minute playing time, there are strains of Emily Barker in the collectively titled 'Protection, Prayers and Vigilance'. We are well and truly in the midst of the vocals owning the space with the first faint hints of shimmering organ adding to the ambience. Imagination inducing qualities also come to the fore.
Keys and strings dominate what is a subtle soundtrack to the songs. This paring herald the title track with added violin cementing the grandeur of 'The Rose Society'. Here a memorable chorus waltzes into prominence as the vocals slip into an effortless channel. Keys also lead you into 'White Cadillac' that lands on your ears like a late night soul cleansing haze of words and spirit.
While the tempo balances on a narrow beam, the pace is upped a smidgeon in 'Crystalline' without losing the essence of tranquility that defines the album. You sometimes get the impression of being served music behind a veil and the enticing vibes from 'The Undoing' invite you to delve further into a melting pot of coaxingly majestic wares. 'Path of the Rose' sits right at the heart of the record's second half and succeeds in casting the spell of Angelica Rockne's music.
A throwback to Californian songwriting heritage from the last half a century is never too far from the mind and the sultry seventies sense of longing derived from 'The Distance is High' conjures this link. However it is the constant drift into the evocative world of screen music that pieces the feel together. The final pairing of the penultimate credit rolling prober 'Ripe and Ruin' and sign off number 'The Night Dreams of You' seal the deal. The latter takes a bow drenched in the trappings of an emotional move farewell.
From its thought provoking cover depicting a dreamy gaze into a distant world akin to the sound emanating from the content, THE ROSE SOCIETY is one of those albums that you want to savour and cherish. It inspires the imagination and guides you on a journey of blissful discovery. A visual soundtrack from a sharpened singer-songwriter. Nevada City to the ears of those in faraway lands is one saunter shaping up for the music of Angelica Rockne.