Can you look into the mirror, and say that you really like the human that is staring back at you? Can you look at humanity, and see the injustices which impact us, and then then say to yourself, that all is good? Can you look at your nightmares, and find the light that is existing in your darkness? I don’t have any of these answers, but wow, when I listen to any records by the neo-folk group ROME, I do feel empowered to find the answers! This isn’t really a review, but a declaration about how listening to this band’s music feeds my whole being. Their singer/songwriter, Jerome Reuter, has a gift for writing words that travel deep into the pit of your soul, where they awaken things you might have tried to bury. Something about ROME’s music gives the listener the strength to to see through our own lies and those of society at large. To the highest degree, this band creates soul/blues music – not in the traditional sense of the word, but they magnify the blues we all live in, and shine light on the the thoughts that torture our souls. It would be impossible for me to pick one song that represents how awesome this band is, but I will try the imposible. “Flowers From Exile” is a tune that makes me question relationships in my life, and the music is so beautiful it’s warm and cold at the same time. Jerome is the kind of lyricist that transcends genres – because of the kind of music that he makes, he can say some of the most sinister things, but his vocal delivery softens the blow. Without banging drums or rumbling baselines, this band manifests some of the heaviest music in the universe. I’m so hooked on ROME’s use of melody, and the only cure for me is to listen to their music on repeat. In a way, this band is very punk – not in the normal sense, but in the way that they have taken a stand against the status quo; that’s what I call punk as fuck. Find any release from their discography and you will not be disappointed. Check out some killer live footage of ROME performing after the jump!
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/06-Die-Nelke.mp3|titles=ROME Die Nelke]
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-Flowers-From-Exile.mp3|titles=ROME Flowers From Exile]
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