Released back in February, "Seeds" by Hey Rosetta! ranks among my favorite 2011 releases as the year starts to wind down. But sometimes, even if you like their studio work, you have to see a band live to graduate to that next level of appreciation. I've read plenty about what a great show the Canadian band puts on, but wasn't guessing I'd be seeing them anytime soon.
Then the 2011 musical lineup for this year's DIY Street Fair in Ferndale was released, and I had to check a few times to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. There they were, scheduled to play Saturday evening, none other than St. John, Newfoundland's own Hey Rosetta!, smack dab in the middle of all the Detroit area bands and musicians on the bill. All I can do is give a huge thank you to whoever was responsible for booking this band for the festival. After witnessing their set, I'll pay money anytime in the future to see Hey Rosetta!, and here we were being treated to a free set at a free festival.
Led by main songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist Tim Baker, the six piece performed a number of tracks off of "Seeds", as well as a few from its predecessor, 2008's "Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood)" that kept the crowd mesmerized from the musicianship on display. It was certainly a very well received set, with a number of diehard fans, likely having travelled from Ontario, at the front of the stage singing along and shouting out song requests.
Baker fluctuated between acoustic and electric guitar, as well as piano, while the string section of Kinley Dowling on violin and Romesh Thavanathan on cello drenched these indie rock/pop songs in layers of beauty. No, Hey Rosetta! are not the only indie band with a string section (Detroit has its own with the wonderful The Juliets), but Baker is a stunningly good songwriter and storyteller, and this is without a doubt one of the best bands coming out of Canada that I have heard in a long time.
Favorites from "Seeds" that were played included "Yer Spring", "Young Glass", "Bandages" and the plea to a newborn, "Welcome". Tracks from "Into Your Lungs" performed included the opener "New Goodbye", "I've Been Asleep For A Long, Long Time" and the set closer "Red Heart".
Filled out by drummer Phil Maloney, guitarist Adam Hogan and bassist Josh Ward, Hey Rosetta! is simply a band not to be missed. Baker is an energetic, intense and passionate front man and the astonishing music coming from the stage is infectious and draws you in to this sensational band. If you love music, its hard to walk away from a Hey Rosetta! show without becoming a fan. Here's hoping this is not the last time they'll make it to the Metro Detroit area.
Comments