Rosemary – London’s new Suburban Kings

Rosemary’s ever-popular MySpace page informs the reader that the band are a “Retro yet modern London 3-piece”. In the internet world, where ‘hyperspace’ can be a literal term, this description is surprisingly bang on the note.

The first moot point when listening to any new band is that inevitable question: “Who do they sound like?” Well, for the record, Rosemary sound like an English pop-rock band; English in the way that Morrissey, The Jam or The Kinks are, for example. You know the word: quintessential.

Their debut single ‘Suburban Kings’ is a gallivanting pop-trip, much in the mould of Supergrass (think ‘Mansize Rooster’ for the rhythm section). Singer Tim Hill’s gravelly vocal is set off at delicious counterpoint with bassist Martin Brett’s honeyed response. It’s lovely and summery, and you can’t help but hope that Rosemary don’t remain as understated as Supergrass have in their decade in the business.

As a mission statement, ‘Suburban Kings’ may well sum up Rosemary’s sound and intentions. It has the simple but potent chord patterns that The Beatles used in songs like ‘I Feel Fine’, and intersperses some edgier chord changes in the manner of The Buzzcocks – always putting harmony first. But it could be hasty to make conclusions on this band from their first offering. Something tells me that the inevitable album will be a relishing and even more revealing prospect. Indeed, the buzz around their first release has led to it selling out.

The band have been on tour practically non-stop for almost two years, as the gigography on their website shows. This incessant gigging has clearly gone some way to creating the tight sound of the band, which will stand them in good stead and promises for an exciting live prospect.

You can catch Rosemary playing live at the following places:

Sep 21 2006: (DJ SET) Suburban Kings Clubnight Tap n Tin, Chatham

Sep 29 2006: PURE GROOVE CLUB NIGHT, London

Oct 11 2006: Club NME, Leicester

Oct 12 2006: Buff Club, Glasgow

Oct 13 2006: Reach Out and F*** Somebody Clubnight, Telford

Oct 19 2006: Suburban Kings Club Night Tap n Tin, Chatham

Nov 10 2006: Lucorum – supporting Bromheads Jacket, Barnsley

For more information, and to listen to the band, please visit their www.myspace.com/rosemarymusic