We are well into the New Year, and the wheels of industry keep on turning. Today I bring you my newfound friends, Rooted, overseen by Andrew Miller, of Rock Riot Management, DJ at Brum Radio and host of ‘Let’s Build an Alternative Network’ a grassroots movement right here in the heart of Birmingham’s Arts quarter, he is a busy bee. Always gannin’ for this and gannin’ for that – say it in your best Geordie accent – and now we have the fruits of all their labours. The debut video for new single ‘(Pushing) Roses’ sees four individuals holding hands and jumping out of the cauldron of creativity to come crashing through your screens.
With the release imminent (Friday 30th January at midnight), this new and fresh band are full of vigour, and vitality, they are hugely competent at the live experience and with the correct support are destined for greater things. The filming was in the extremely capable hands of Connor Madehell or ConCam to me hahaha, as he twists and weaves through the flailing arms of the undead, who left their coffins and headed to the not so secret location to get their share of the limelight. The technical aspects of the song production were fulfilled admirably by Zac Lyndley, with the guidance of these professionals, we get to see the best of the band.
Immersing themselves in the thematics, we see singer Lily, eyes wide like a sugar glider, sashaying across the stage while Ethan imitates Riff Raff (Rocky Horror) to perfection with the deathly features. Gemma stands her ground, bass in hand as she fights off the onslaught and as for Joe, well, you’ll have to wait and see.
Their trajectory will be determined by the availability of creative spaces, the opportunity to work without fear, the chances to progress in an industry that seems to be lagging and lacking in any forethought and insight.
With a body of work that is feverish yet fun-filled, brassy and buoyant we can see the potential, it’s the way forwards that is worrying.
Savour the flavours of desperation, you can taste the misery as it trickles down your throat, to gently coat and constrict your vital organs.
There is promise, and plenty of it, I can’t think of anything more treacherous than to let these talented people slip away.
Get out there and support your local scene or you can kiss my assets!
Azra Pathan
Rooted – (Pushing) Roses – single out now.