Live music review: Caroline Rose rocked BMI’s ACL Fest party last week
Last Thursday at BMI’s Howdy Texas extravaganza leading into weekend two of Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest), venue host, Yeti Flagship store had a lyrical sharpshooter ready to give a playful greeting to Texas locals and visitors in Austin’s music capitol. As the windy October night cooled down, the music-loving crowd warmed to Caroline Rose gradually like the ice melting in the chilled mixed drinks silently swirling together. From far and wide, industry folks, fans and staff joined together to enjoy drinks and food provided by Tacodeli, Topo Chico and Austin East Ciders. After allowing time for folks to arrive, Caroline Rose and her band of talented comrades conducted a flavorful cadence of pop, folk and rock fusion.
The singer-songwriter wore her signature costume of all bright red throwback 90’s style which included red stage pieces. Striking a rebellious stance on stage, fans could feel an earnest undercurrent that shows the growth of Rose’s already considerable talent in the material from her latest record. The night became electric with Caroline Rose on piano and electric guitar, Abbie playing the keyboards till they burst into flame, Henry Jamison dueling with the drums, and Mike Dondero strumming the soul out of his base.
Choosing carefully from their most recent album Loner, the Caroline Rose crew rocked the crowd till they could only stop and stare. From the pop-rock head bangers to the folk-friendly tunes humming fanatics all the bases had clear coverage. As a musician who cut her teeth on folk music, Rose grew frustrated with the limitations of genre. The young singer set out to make a pop, rock n roll record that would demonstrate her versatility as an artist. That led to a deal with New West Records. Even with the PA muted (due to the small space) during the performance, Rose and her sidekick, Abbie insisted their bold voices be heard. The influence of pop is apparent for each of these characters that share a common love for music so that fans want to rock out with the heartfelt folks of Caroline Rose’s band.
The witty mix played was filled with new songs from the recently published album. Their deliberate intention demanded attention from the audience. Fans at Yeti Flagship could not get enough of the cosmic array of chords being blasted into their ears. We struggled to keep up with challenging lyrical topics in many songs including misogyny, disillusionment and being vulnerable to understanding personal conflicts.
There would be much to decipher in the comforting tones from the pop, folk-fusion being presented. The crowd jammed out to simple upbeat pop sounds of track “Jeannie Becomes a Mom.” The power pop jam “Cry” was built on platform of bass, synths and pedal-steel guitar that delves into the gross harassment hurled at women by men. The band finished their set with the intoxicating song “Animal,” a head banging pop rock that appeared heavily influenced by American punk-rockers Green Day.
The demanding presence from Rose exuded her own sense of discovery through the pop influence in her newest album. She capitalized on exploring her own discomfort, the decision to choose her own projects, and willingness to find clearer expression from her deepest feelings. This witty introvert is surprising with her emotional phrasing and fearlessness of her work.
“No, the world don’t stop, Time is only gonna pass you by.” – Caroline Rose
Check out the latest album by Caroline Rose and keep up to date with this New York-born pop-rocker.
All photos Greg Ackerman
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