THRILLING GLASGOW FIVE PIECE ‘THE ROOKS’ SHARE THEIR FIRST RELEASE

‘LAY ME DOWN’ WAS CELEBRATED WITH A SELL OUT RELEASE PARTY

For Glasgow’s The Rooks, the release of their debut single ‘Lay Me Down‘ has been one of much fan anticipation. Becoming a familiar name on the local live scene, the bluesy rock quartet have supported some of Scotland’s biggest emerging names (Luke La Volpe, The Shambolics), made an appearances at Tenement Trail and B12 Entertainment’s The Gathering line ups and even sold out iconic venues like King Tuts Wah Wah Hut – all without ever releasing a single. Finally, for those of us not in on Glasgow’s best kept secret, we get to hear a glimpse of what the fuss is all about.

Celebrating in style, The Rooks took to the Barrowlands Gallowgate neighbour, Van Winkle for the ultimate single launch party.

Produced by Grammy Award-winning Jim Lowe – best known for his work with Stereophonics – ‘Lay Me Down’ comes crashing in with a powerful guitar driven melody. Building solid structure for the track ahead, the harmonising tune of lead vocalist Ross smoothly compliments the emotionally charged melody on this track, swiftly captivating anybody who listens.

On the debut release, The Rooks explain the single is “defiant in its nature, honest
in its sensibility”. Driven by a passion, the song captures the yearning for connection in a relationship turned sour.

“Lay me down, because I just wanna be there. It’s over now and I just don’t believe it” sings Ross with convincing sentiment during the tracks chorus. The verses immersed melancholic key changes are comfortably reminiscent of late 90’s/turn of the century post-britpop bands such as Feeder and of course, Stereophonics.

Coming in at around the 4 minute mark, the dynamic and frequent gear shifts in rhythm and melody keep things interesting. The later breakdown is a really well placed too (even if it channels Radiohead a little too familiarly) and by leading into a guitar driven instrumental it fits spectacularly. But where this track really gets you as a repeat listener is the last 30-40 seconds. Ending somewhat ‘unfinished’, this deliberate characteristic makes you want to go back to the start and do it all again.

The Rooks debut single ‘Lay Me Down’ showcases everything their fans love about the five piece. Much alike to other new bands (e.g.The Last Dinner Party) who have taken the somewhat “old-fashioned” approach of building their reputation and fan base exclusively through their energetic live presence, The Rooks appear to be ravishing in a similar approach. Perhaps not to the same global degree as the aforementioned band, however, the sentiment remains the same. I think we all look forward to watching how this young band grow and develop from this point because for a first single, this one is pretty bloody good.

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Anne Kelly

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