Review / 200 Words Or Less
Roses
Roses EP

Stereophonodon Records (2015) Andy Armageddon

Roses – Roses EP cover artwork
Roses – Roses EP — Stereophonodon Records, 2015

After relocating from Cleveland to Philadelphia, singer/songwriter Matthew Scheuermann put together a self-titled three-song EP released on Valentine’s Day 2015 under the name of Roses. Working alongside crisp acoustic guitar strumming, Scheuermann’s voice reminds me a bit of Band of Horses vocalist Ben Bridwell or maybe even Jeff Mangum since he has a tendency to sing in a higher register, finding gorgeous melodies when working within the tenor range.

Though evident throughout the EP, the singer’s ability to craft a flowing, story-like narrative particularly shines through on second track “Preacher. Having a semi-tragic sort of feel to it, an especially resonant accompanying guitar provides a strong base that the almost plaintive vocals can soar on top of. Meanwhile, album opener “Boys” features glowing piano and a bit of fuzzy background distortion alongside the melody, and the significantly lighter and brighter finale “Summer Sounds” clips along to a trotting rhythm. All in all, the Roses EP is relatively quiet and low key, but also pleasant and calming: an ideal if very brief rainy day listen that I’d have no problem recommending.

Roses – Roses EP cover artwork
Roses – Roses EP — Stereophonodon Records, 2015

Related features

roses

One Question Interviews • May 31, 2015

Related news

Her Head's On Fire and Arms Like Roses split

Posted in Records on May 27, 2025

Recently-posted album reviews

Between the Buried and Me

The Blue Nowhere
Inside Out (2025)

Between The Buried And Me are seasoned vets to the progressive metalcore, electronic, prog (whatever other genre they bend) scene and continue to drop album after album. Their career started back in 2000 from the ashes of one of the greatest metalcore bands of all time (in my humble opinion), Prayer For Cleansing. As the band has progressed over the … Read more

The Beths

Straight Line Was A Lie
Anti (2025)

Dear Beths, Congratulations on the new release. I’ve been reflecting on our relationship and, as I’ve recently started to write about music again, have been asked to share my thoughts with you. First and foremost, I want to say that this isn’t easy for me. I cherish your album Future Me Hates Me from 2018. The title track alone is … Read more

East End Redemption

Crashing Down
Independent (2025)

Who would’ve thought that from the land of lobsters and blueberries, you’d find a punk band? East End Redemption is a four-piece band that brings their flavor of punk from Portland, Maine to the masses with their eleven song, debut full-length album, Crashing Down. They mix elements of skate punk, power pop, and even hints of hardcore punk. The band … Read more