Sterling Roswell

In the studio, the former Spacemen 3 man has shown an experimental streak beholden to both the pop smarts and the production genius of Joe Meek, but it is in the live setting where his potent mix of attention to detail and flights of fancy really shines. Sterling Roswell absolutely gives it 1000% every step of the way once he arrives on stage and doesn't leave a moment to waste. Adorned in glistening silver shoes and a flowery shirt once worn by Sky Saxon of The Seeds fame, Roswell immediately launches into a masterclass of 60's inspired songwriting. Expertly crafted gems like "Give Peace Another Chance" twist and turn in perfect harmony, with every hook emanating to the furthest reaches of the club. Jaded rock journalist all immediately set down their drinks and take notice, ebbing closer and closer to the stage. Soon, the bliss of "The Girl From Orbit in Dub" takes hold, keeping the audience close through the slow builds and dramatic fills and it is absolute ecstasy. Knowing smiles are passed back and forth. This is a confident front man giving us the goods and showing no shame in delivering them again and again. Just when you feel like this is enough, if this was the only band that you saw for the next year, it would be enough, it's all here, Roswell surprises you. Revealing that the entire set has been a slow burn to what we are about to experience next, he takes his tight outfit into more psychedelic rave up territory. Hips are shaking as "Tripmaker" brings it all home with fuzzy swirls and syrupy sweet tooth hooks caroming about, as the band blast into a frenzy (while still looking like magazine cover rock stars) and we all lose our minds in complete and utter joy. It is exhilarating. It means everything to see someone care about how they shape a set and how they present themselves in an era of lazy performances delivered in jeans and ripped t-shirts. It reminds us how much we love music. How much Roswell loves music. How much he loves us. And then, it is over. We want more.