Review: The Moor Rose

The Moor Rose - Seeds Of Songs (Independent)
Formed in 2011, Adelaide based The Moor Rose is multi-instrumentalist Stuart Haines and classically trained cellist and bass player David Rose. Together they play an intense and exciting blend of roots music, jazz-folk fusion and Middle Eastern and North African styles. They’re both experienced musicians with a wealth of know-how picked up in solo shows, session work, and various groups and orchestras.

They explain that the “Moor” in their name refers to both the moors of the British Isles, and the Moors of North Africa, and that’s reflected in the music they make. Haines’ songs are very much part of the western tradition, a style that’s rooted in the folk music of Britain and Ireland, and it’s the instrumentation they sporadically apply which provides the exoticism.

The bass and mandolin of opening track “Break It Down” is as straightforward as they get, though there’s no denying either the performance or the quality of the song. There’s something of a stripped back R.E.M. to their sound, and by the time the cello arrives they’ve already more than made their point. This is serious music, and “Li Sula” confirms both their ambition and the talent to make it work. Largely instrumental, its ethereal qualities and lateral, non-western structure is utterly enthralling. The collection ends with “The Place Joy Is Found” where they combine traditions magnificently.
http://themoorrose.com/
Rob F.