Rooney - Rooney (CD)

A refreshing new sound

By Richard  Aug 2, 2003 | 2 out of 2 found this Rooney review helpful

Reminiscient of bands from the 60s such as the Beach Boys, Rooney has just begun their musical career with their self-titled debut album. Very similar to the Strokes, another group that delves into their musical roots for inspiration and imitation, R...ooney provides a nice break from the nu-metal and hard rock from bands such as Linkin Park and Disturbed. They journey back in time, and bring in the elements of pure rock-and-roll to the modern era. Using this as the crux for their sound, they add on the elements of amps and electric guitars to add an element of heaviness. As they blend the elements of new-age rock and classic rock, they create music that brings together two very different musical generations. Devout fans of the original characteristics of rock-and-roll--pure guitar, pass, drums, and vocals without the use of computers to synthesize and create beats and songs--will find themselves refreshed by the sound of Rooney, yet at the same time will enjoy that purity brought up to date.The beginning of the song "I'm Shakin'" sounds as if it were pulled out of "96 Tears" by Question Mark And The Mysterians. Not stopping there, tambourines and keyboards in the background along with choruses sung my nearly the entire in some situations reflect a sound of the Beach Boys, namely on "If It Were Up To Me" and "Blueside." Robert Carmine's line "In a good way/She doesn't know/That I love her/Yes I love her" from "Stay Away" is one example of his tremendous songwriting. The sound to each song strikes an unattainable memory. Reaching deep into the musical memory bank, the listener strives to make the connection between Rooney's sound on a specific song to a classic rock-and-roll song only to realize that no song exists in most scenarios. It is simply the unique blend of elements Rooney uses in creating amazing and memorable songs. Read more Less