Debut – Red Roots

OVERALL RATING:  7.00

CRITERIA:

1. Creativity/Originality = 6.5
2. Lyrical Content = 7.5
3. Production = 7
4. Song Selection = 7
5. My Recommendation = 7.00 (10 song average)

 

The promotion has been prominent for new artist Red Roots.  Promotional materials compare their sound to the style of Taylor Swift and the Dixie Chicks.  Their self titled debut recording for Red Hen Records hit retail outlets 01/24/11.

The group is composed of three sisters, who happen to be identical triplets.  Nicole, Nika and Natalie make up Red Roots.  The trio is also very talented musicians who each play varying instruments.  After taking a listen to the group’s debut recording I can understand the slight comparison to Taylor Swift.  I would consider the group’s sound more contemporary bluegrass with a bit of country thrown in for good measure.

Being a young group, the trio has some growing to do as a recording artist.  This first recording effort is a starting point and as they begin to build a musical identity, the potential is there to produce some really great music.

Micah Schweinsberg (former drummer for Crabb Revival) and Michelle Kelley co-wrote the strongest song on the entire recording; “The Bridge”.  The ballad’s simple arrangement and the premise of less is more really allow this song to shine.  The vocal is not over powering and the light accompaniment sets this song apart.

Another ballad that allow the girls to sing a song to their generation is “Diamonds In My Heart”.  Written by Amy Lewis the first verse closes with the line “…It’s Hard To Cover Up The Way You Feel When You Feel Ugly Inside…” and then allows the listener another thought as the second verse closes with “…It’s Hard To Cover Up The Way You Feel When You Feel His Love Inside…”.

The first single for the group is also titled “Red Roots”.  Another Amy Lewis tune, this song will no doubt become an anthem or theme song for the group.  A straight ahead country melody and vocal.  Speaking of country, the group covers a Judds song titled “I Know Where I’m Going”.

One thing I appreciate about the group after listening to this debut effort, they don’t shy away from their youth.  I think that is lost sometimes in Southern Gospel among younger artists.  The girls open their recording with a song “God Shaped Hole” (written by Tiffany Lee Arbuckle).  They close the recording with a youthful remix that I enjoyed even more than the standard cut.

The Southern Gospel fan base tend to shy away from country sounding artists.  The bluegrass overtones in the group’s music and the fact the girls all play various instruments could win some of those fan’s over.  As already mentioned this debut effort is simply a starting point for the group.  The potential is there.

SONG LIST:  1. “God Shaped Hole”  2. “Lord I’m Listening”  3. “Diamonds In My Heart”  4. “Double Wide Church”  5. “I Know Where I’m Going”  6. “Red Roots”  7. “What If God Says No”  8. “These Days”  9. “I Could Have Been Something”  10. “The Bridge”  11. “God Shaped Hole (Hidden Track Remix)”