The Rosewood Thieves: Lonesome Review

If the last Rosewood Thieves album sounded like Dylan's Bringing it All Back Home, than The Rosewood Thieves Lonesome sounds like Freewheelin' Dylan. Lonesome is a pure folk album which sparsely departs from that sound. While their first album, From the Decker House, relied primarily on hooks and melodies, Lonesome relies on slow tempos, strong lyrics and soothing vocals.

Lonesome primarily has a very relaxed mood, with slow and simple strums of the guitar with the occasional finger picking backed by a mellow drum beat. Even though the majority of the album is relaxing, the strongest track is a bit more upbeat. "Murder Ballad in G Minor" sounds like it could have been ripped from a classic Western with sounds of snapping whips and a story of an evil woman. It is easily the catchiest song on Lonesome.

Throughout the album you can clearly hear a strong influence from Dylan. Singer Erick Jordan often vocalizes the lyrics just like Bob. For instance, "Honey, Stay Awhile" has a story that resembles "Girl From the North Country", and not only is the story similar, but the vocalizing of the lyrics is similar.

Despite the constant comparison to Dylan, this album sounds natural and fresh. Lonesome's soothing sounds and strong storytelling keep this album which could have easily fallen into the pitfalls of another dull folk record, into an enjoyable listen.

Grade: B