Long after
Ryan Adams can no longer afford his L.A. condo and alt-country fades from chic, there will be strong regional groups still making great roots rock records.
Carp & Bones, by the Cleveland group
Rosavelt, is evidence enough of that. "Late Great Singer" is melodic, ragged roots rock that recalls
the Replacements in their finest hour, while the title track cruises along easily with the lazy, pretty languor of gray album-era
Velvet Underground. "Satellite Chevy" is one of the more country-influenced tracks here, with its rolling gentle twang, while the art-damaged, sparse Americana of "Sink Me Higher" puts the "alternative" in the group's alternative country. "These Two Hands," meanwhile, is ominous, searing, and full of resentment for the woman that did wrong. This is a strong, varied effort from this group, which has served as
Tim Easton's backing band. ~ Erik Hage