#Rosegarden Funeral Party Jordan Buford Photography | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

themusicenthusiast · 6 years ago

Text

Thursday, June 21st, 2018 – Rosegarden Funeral Party Pulls Out All the Stops for Box Garden at Legacy Hall Gig

Photos by Jordan Buford Photography More than a month since its official opening and the Box Garden at Legacy Hall is proving to be an interesting venue. Located in the Legacy West development in Plano, the three-story food hall that is Legacy Hall has something to offer just about everyone. Foodies will love the variety of restaurants (and bars) housed inside the complex, and it also makes for a great outing to hang out with friends or unwind after a long day. The Box Garden outside is an even more ideal spot for all of that; and with the World Cup currently going on they’ve been catering to sports fans by showing some of the games on the screen outside. And when the night falls the stage is ready to host various bands from around the D/FW area – at least on a few nights out of the week. That’s where it’s interesting, because the clientele is definitely different from that of a venue dedicated exclusively to live music and the fans that come with it. The crowd can range from those who ventured out to Legacy Hall specifically to see the band to people who are there just to get a meal and could take or leave the live entertainment; and with this being my second consecutive Thursday night spent at the Box Garden it’s obvious that it’s just a slow night in comparison to the throng of people the place attracts on the weekend. A decent gathering of people were spread out among all of the tables, though things were still sparse by the time Rosegarden Funeral Party took the stage at 9:03.

The gothic rock/alternative quartet had made the trek from Dallas up to the northern part of the suburbs for this show, a show that would have them being one of the most intense bands yet to perform on the Box Garden stage. From releasing their debut EP to touring and currently well into the stages of preparing another album, 2018 has already been a banner year for the young band, who would pull out all the stops and then some during the 70-minutes that they had the stage. To begin, they knocked out something from The Chopping Block, “Eden” proving to be a sensational opener. It demonstrated to everyone – regardless of how long they planned on being there for – just what Rosegarden Funeral Party was about. Like much of their music, that song evokes their musical influences from the ‘70s and ‘80s while also showcasing their interpretations of it and even their individualism from acclaimed gothic rock groups that have inspired them; Tate Christopher’s drumming setting a thrilling pace for the track, one that was best fleshed out by the roaring riffs interspersed among the dreamy soundscape. It certainly succeeded at capturing one’s attention and intrigued a few new listeners.

They would perform much of that EP, with plenty of new(er) songs also woven into the show; “AMC” further perpetuating the enchanting aura that Rosegarden Funeral Party was casting over the Box Garden. Those first two numbers highlighted the striking tones that frontwoman and guitarist Leah Lane operates in, going from channeling a pristine and heavenly quality on the first to unleashing the huskier side of her voice on the latter. Instantly recognizable, it’s raw and primal – even operatic in some regards – qualities that were all behooving of the heartbreaking tale which explores the flood of emotions one is left to sort out in the aftermath of a relationship, haunted by their ex. “…Thanks for hanging out…” Lane remarked afterwards, the songstress going above and beyond to form a rapport with everyone who was receptive to them this night. From graciously thanking everyone for listening or the folks at Legacy Hall for having them out, to, at the absolute least, informing everyone of the title of the upcoming song, she put plenty of effort in to forging a relationship with the audience they had. It was nice to see because it was all so genuine, the appreciation from her and on behalf of her band mates being evident each time she addressed the spectators.

“Never Coming Home” was one of the standouts of their more recent batch of songs (a track Lane said would be on their next album, apparently due out in September), the bass that Wil Farrier was so masterfully wielding being exceptionally heavy and in charge. Adding to the dramatics of it was how animated Lane became, motioning with her hands (quite expressively at that) when she was able and belting out the lyrics with absolute passion. That behavior persisted throughout “Follow”, a song she noted was one of the first ones they wrote after forming the band. “We’re pulling it out of the closet for you guys!” she exclaimed as they tore into that blistering and seductive rocker.

The four of them had a nice chemistry going from the moment they stepped on the stage, though they began to find and settle into their groove the deeper they got into the show. By that point they were entrancing and absolutely fierce, radiating an overwhelming amount of confidence. Those dynamics would perpetually be pushed higher, right up till the end of their 14-song set. Such was the case during their lone cover song of the night, which afforded Lane an opportunity to fully embrace the role of frontwoman, moving her guitar to her back for a brief time. It was done with finesse as she handled herself casually while still being utterly compelling. Like the subtle move of resting one of her arms on the mic stand. Casual, though authoritative in the way she did it.

One of the most epic songs of the night was “Seeing You Here and Now”, the lengthy track ebbing and flowing in a spectacular fashion, being moody and equally as vicious as it is serene; the introspective lyrics being something most everyone can relate to on some level. “…But I’m not what you wanted. I’m not what you need. But every part of me seems to see something in you. And every part of me will always want some part of you…” That’s the painful realization of “Seeing You Here and Now”; a subtle devastation seeping into Lane’s impassioned delivery. That ushered in a series of unreleased/unrecorded material, those songs more prominently featuring Mikka Vanya Brightheart and his meticulous work on the keys/synth. From dark and even ominous to shimmering and airy, he helped establish whatever mood was necessary; songs like “Martyr” being incredibly up-tempo, even catchy, while “Fade to Black” was a powerhouse.

The best had been saved for last, their lead single, “Blitzkrieg in Holland”, ultimately capping off Rosegarden Funeral Party’s time in Plano, the rip-roaring track allowing for a gritty and vigorous finish. It was during the instrumental bridge that Lane dropped to her knees and proceeded to shred on her axe, looking every bit the part of the idealistic rockstar before they finished it in epic fashion.

This was a totally different Rosegarden Funeral Party from what they were the only other time I had seen them, back in the spring of last year. That’s meant both figuratively and literally, a slight lineup change bringing Brightheart into the fold; while Lane has since taken on the role of lead guitarist, doing so without sacrificing the ferocity of her frontwoman persona. Then there’s the fact that they have maintained a pretty healthy show schedule, be it around D/FW or their West Coast tour they did a couple of months back.

All of that has really allowed Lane, Farrier, Christopher and Brightheart to hone their dynamics as a unit; each mostly operating independently this night, though their underlying chemistry was always present and displayed periodically. They deserved a larger audience than what they had this night, though those who were interested in hearing some live music became quite transfixed by the sights and sounds playing out on the stage of the Box Garden, the four-piece outfit giving it their all and subsequently had no trouble in capturing and holding the audiences’ undivided attention. Rosegarden Funeral Party is certainly one of the most intriguing currently active acts in the D-FW music scene, simply because they are doing something that is more different in comparison to the vast majority of other acts out there. Their British influences are evident, with a dramatic rock flare and some indie components spliced in with it, resulting in music that has a primal edge while still being refined and calculative. Songs that roar to life at just the right moments, capitalizing on the emotional chords they aim to strike.

And they are definitely emotional, Lane not holding back when it comes to pouring her feelings into the pieces that she pens, in terms of both the lyrics and singing them. Since the previous project that she was a part of she has been hailed as one of the next great things in Dallas music with the potential to go well beyond, and she is definitely doing everything to aspire to that title. There’s an aura about her, one that could never be accurately described. Instead it has to be witnessed, that star talent seeping through ever second that she’s performing, and it’s magnificent. The Box Garden at Legacy Hall may be an interesting venue, though that’s all the more reason of why people should visit it, particularly to see a band. You’re certain to see a good act or artist, and maybe even an exceptional one, as was the case this night. The show was even over shortly after ten. Pretty early for a weeknight and ideal for anyone who may not want to be out late. The calendar is looking pretty good through the next month; and maybe, hopefully, Rosegarden Funeral Party will be brought back sometime, and possibly even given a prime Friday or Saturday night spot so they can wow plenty of patrons.

Their next area show will be on July 19th at Three Links in Dallas and they will be returning there on August 11th. A gig at Doublewide in Dallas is also planned for August 25th. They’ll also be doing some light touring, visiting Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA on July 14th and 16th at The Masquerade and Gasa Gasa, respectively. An Austin show is on the books for July 20th at The Electric Church and they’ll be in Los Angeles, CA on July 24th performing at The Echo. More details on their current tour dates can be found HERE; and be sure to check out The Chopping Block in iTUNES or GOOGLE PLAY.

0 notes