Rose Kemp - Unholy Majesty

by Dan Worth

Throwing popular sounds together doesn't guarantee results

"Too often the songs wander off into Kemp’s inane lyrics before erupting into a great waterfall of unexpected, and rather generic, clichéd rock riffs and accompanying keyboard."

Yes you did read that wrong. Ross Kemp has not turned his back on the world’s deadliest gangs to release an album. Shame. No, this is Rose Kemp, and based on the sound and fury on this album she could give those gangs a run for their money. Maybe.

This is noisy, primal stuff that seems to place itself in the 'loud = good' category. But there is also a clear understanding of the need to produce songs that can sustain this noise – ‘Nature’s Hymn’ the best example. Meanwhile on ‘Nanny’s World’ fuzzy guitar lines that have that enjoyable simplicity The White Stripes do so well are used to similar effect.

The music wears its inspiration with pride, obviously drawing on everything from Sabbath to Soundgarden, and also Spinal Tap at times. Kemp's voice stands out throughout: a weird, hybrid mix of talking, high-pitched vocals, that sound a little like a cat being strangled, and out-and-out rock singing that combines together to make something that certainly is different.

Ah, but the whole thing is not actually any good. Or at least, it’s not that good. Sure, you can sing in a quirky voice, you can music-check your influences, influences that have sold in huge quantities (even Spinal Tap) but it doesn’t matter one joint if it’s just not that interesting. Too often the songs wander off into Kemp’s inane lyrics before erupting into a great waterfall of unexpected, and rather generic, clichéd rock riffs and accompanying keyboards – ‘Wholeness Sounds’ the guiltiest party.

Still this is her fifth album and she’s been doing side projects too, so it seems as if this is an album that already has a fan base ready for it, so perhaps Kemp is playing to her fans and merely satiating their needs. Either way, an ambitious effort but one that falls short. Still, Ross Kemp couldn't do any better.

Be the first to comment on this article