Is it the beer I wonder? Have I consumed so much that I have lost all sensitivity? Nah, I just don’t do or get introspection and introspection is what you get on “Faded Postmark”, the debut album from London based band Roselands (although they are fronted by Glasgow born Mark McLaughlin).
Setting up a seemingly relentless mellow groove throughout these ten songs, Roselands play their cards from the top of the pack and run true right down the middle of the road. It’s a far from unusual approach these days to tell the truth and it is also probably the reason that songs like “Rose Street” and “Since I Saw The Sea” just about sink under the weight of downwards pointing emotional weight. The rest of the songs on the album get pretty much the same self reverential approach for that matter which, no doubt, had the opposite effect to what was intended. I’m quite sure no musician sets out to leave the listener somewhat unable to distract himself from indifference.
I’m struggling with this one. “Faded Postmark” is an earnest effort but it has all the hallmarks of mid range musos indulging themselves. Who knows? It might just find a home in the many coffee shops of the urban metropolis. With a latté rather than an espresso, of course.