History Rome Romeo

Rome Romeo was formed in 2007 after the demise of beloved No Idea Records punk band Fifth Hour Hero. Along with members from acclaimed Quebec bands Le Nombre, Les Marmottes Aplaties and Dirty Tricks, Rome Romeo set out to write their first e.p. in the fall of 2008, writing a total of six songs. The self-titled e.p. features five of these songs, released on Montreal based label: Machette Records. Mixing a blend of punk, soul and indie, Rome Romeo defy the genres that they were once held to, and showcase their hook-ridden talent

on their E.P., destined to be the soundtrack of summer. ◆

“Veterans of their native Quebec’s D.I.Y. scene as well as the national and international touring circuit, Montreal’s Rome Romeo offers up an audible testament to progression. Broadening outward from their past punk inclinations, the band’s members collaborate their individual abilities and tastes into a refined and seamless culmination of influence. Embodying elements of sultry, reverb-laden contemporary garage styling, throw-back pre-punk, and dissonant post-whatever, they tactfully incorporate both pop-sensibility and grating, minor-keyed challenge. It may be a bit more toned down than what some of their past bands involved, but intensity, aggression, and conviction are retained with sophistication. The bass growls, drums churn, and guitars and keys waiver in between all-out drive and sparsely arranged intertwined dissonance. At the forefront, female-led vocals deliver stirring, powerful captivation.

Although they’re barely onto their feet, Rome Romeo provides a sense of fervor, aptitude, and creative craft that suggests vast experience. With their first recordings new listeners as well as enthusiasts of the members’ previous efforts should inevitably find bounty to reap and the promise of great things to come.” ◆ Brian Moss (San Francisco Weekly Music Critic)

While this record does feature former Fifth Hour Hero front-woman Geneviève Tremblay, you won’t find a follow-up to her former act with Rome Romeo. Instead what emits from the speakers are five danceable, bass-heavy numbers that rock more like Fugazi or Le Tigre than anything from the No Idea catalogue. For such a relatively new band the songs have maturity and depth difficult to find in bands that have been around for years. “Money Loves Money” swaggers along with a sound that’s heavily influenced by ‘50s era rock and a chorus that easily has the strongest sing-along moment of the record, while “Good Friends” is a pounding, percussive number that musically wouldn’t feel out of place on Repeater. But the clear standout on this EP is the danceable “Lose Your Head,” a song that allows the rhythm section to shine while guitars and keyboard pierce the air above the low end with a haunting sound that makes the soaring vocals sound eerily powerful. This is a dynamic and enticing record that begs the question: how long do we have to wait for a full-length?

Ty Trumbull, Exclaim! Magazine

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