Rose City

“Mawwiage,” said the Impressive Clergyman from The Princess Bride, “is what bwings us together today.” Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Anita Robinson, aka Viva Voce, have never sounded more together than on Rose City, despite whipping together the album in just a few weeks. Hints of a less-distorted Jesus And Mary Chain (“Devotion”) and a ballsier Mazzy Star (“Midnight Sun”) waft through like inspired ghosts rather than slavish imitations. And while Kevin’s talents are ample, Anita’s singing and guitar slinging continue to blossom-some George Harrison here, a little Television there-in a fashion that feels natural and organic, like a honeymoon sprinkled with Pacific mist. Sonically spacious and spontaneous, Rose City is an endlessly tuneful bouquet of beauty.

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