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Roulettes - The Roulettes Self Titled Album Review

27 Aug 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit

Here is real independent music worth shouting about, yes Ladies and Gentlemen self-funded and produced The Roulettes have crafted a standout debut album. The Roulettes are a 3 piece indie rock set up, with vivid guitar work and cool singing from front man Justin McLean backed by a sublime rhythm section from Drummer Mark Queenin and Bassist Ben Grant.

This is a debut album with superb range and character, 11 tracks of modern yet classical rocking tunes. There are great upbeat 60’s vibe songs like Headroom and Jelly Roll, both have a hippy pop feel but are performed with a rock edge. Awesome riff driven rockers like No Harm, Gravity and Ray, are full of attacking energy and power. Shimmering guitar picking and vocal work from Justin are evident in songs like The Dust and Here She Comes. Mark Queenin drumming throughout is exceptional, and the intricate fills in the song Glitter Glitter are outstanding. Each song is reinforced with fine guitar work and spatial vocals, dexterously assisted with Ben Grant’s Backing Vox and rocking Bass.

The Roulettes supply a fresh psychedelic rock sound, that deserves to be played loud and live, being independently produced its full of heart and soul, a raw and very effective debut.

I had high expectations as they are amazing live, and this album shows they are a force to be reckoned with. I can safely say The Roulettes are a sound bet.

http://theroulettes.bandcamp.com/

 

About Roulettes

Roulettes was formed by Ben and Justin in Auckland in the early 2000's from the ashes of sonic Dunedin Rock n Roll bands (Funhouse, Bike). They released two EPs (You Want It and Unread Books) before settling on Mark Queenin (Bike, Garageland) on drums and recording their debut album, The Roulettes.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Roulettes

Releases

Demosphere
Year: 2021
Type: Album
Rocket To You
Year: 2020
Type: EP
Venus Burns
Year: 2017
Type: Album
The Roulettes
Year: 2014
Type: Album
Unread Books
Year: 2010
Type: EP
You Want It
Year: 2009
Type: EP

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