What started as a fun side project has now become Ripley Johnson’s main focus. While Wooden Shjips and Moon Duo continue their slumber, Rose City Band returns with another album, Sol Y Sombra (Thrill Jockey).
Initially a country band with a psych-rock twist, the project has now settled into Americana territory. Where previous songs often spiraled away in a hypnotic whirl, the new material barely stirs at all.
Sol Y Sombra is drowsy and almost unresponsive. Progressing in slow motion, the album lulls you by the second track, and it never picks up the pace. Everything is charming and beautiful, but completely devoid of standout moments. At this point, we’re longing for one of Johnson’s wild, freakout-style detours.
It’s fair to grant the Portland musician the space to craft a melancholically restrained work. But this feels like it takes understatement a bit too far.
Rose City Band – Sol Y Sombra: Meditative Americana. – RIFL
