Cavalier Rose

Let’s talk about the weather. The weather is one of those things that holds universal fascination for almost everyone above the age of ten. Put two strangers in a room and even if they have absolutely nothing else in common, they will be able to discuss the weather for at least a couple of minutes – more if the weather has been especially hot, cold, wet, windy or dry. For whatever reason, the weather is endlessly interesting to everybody (especially old people).

Personally, I can’t even leave the house in the morning without first checking the weather. I go online and get the current temperature, the projected temperature throughout the day and any other accompanying forecasts for rain or sun. When I lived in New York, I would watch NY1 every day, faithfully waiting for their surprisingly accurate “weather on the 1s” report. I used to cross my fingers and hope for snow, lightening or any other extreme condition. I relished the snow in the winter time and the apocalyptic thunder storms that would assault the city throughout the hot, sticky East Coast summers.

The thrill I got from this kind of weather no doubt came from the fact that I grew up in a part of California where the temperature rarely moves outside the comfortable range of 50 to 75 degrees. The most exciting things we have weather-wise are heavy morning fog and the occasional high wind. Which is why I feel it is worth noting that the weather around here has been kind of strange lately. The fog hasn’t really gone away for weeks, and the temperature has been simultaneously cold and muggy.

As a result of this strange weather, it’s been hard to get into the spirit of summer. I don’t really feel like jumping out of bed, putting on my short shorts and racing to the beach. Instead, I want to put an extra shot of whiskey in my coffee and stay home with my books and records.

It was in this state of mind that I first came across the Primary Colors EP from brand new Brooklyn band Cavalier Rose. These kids only just got together this year, but they have a sound that is bluesy and roughed up like an old work horse. The group’s showpiece is undoubtedly singer Heather Christian, a southern belle whose voice sways violently from girlish charm to woman scorned. The guitars match her outbursts with shivers of distortion while a ghostly piano floats underneath her whispered siren calls. The overall sound is heavy and dark, with just a touch of frustration and insouciance.

Perfect for a day spent lost in the fog.

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MP3: 'Tidal Crusher'

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MP3: 'Primary Colors'

Bonus Link: live video for ‘Lie To Me’ (unreleased)