Hailing from the heartland, Tornado Rose unabashedly embraces their origins both stylistically and symbolically as well. Their name was inspired by a storm that razed their local environs in 2011, and the music they’ve created in its wake reflects a homegrown sound imbedded in the fertile soil of Kansas, the place where they were born and bred.
Lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Brooke Bell’s vocals create the emotional connection within each of the new EP’s four songs, taking a tone that veers from heartache to happenstance to the astute observations gleaned from her upbringing in the small town of Independence, Kansas. Her bandmates — Ryan Davidson on mandolin, Kyle Jacobs on banjo, and Josh Bell on double bass — provide solid supports courtesy of arrangements that resonate with every pick and chop. They’re augmented by the talents of IBMA fiddle player of the year Maddie Denton and Lucas White on guitar.
The resulting songs are both awesome and inspiring. The immediacy and engagement of Rabbit In the Pine and Fryin’ Pan sandwich the set, while the ominous overtones given Down Fall River and the emotive Jazz June add weight and resolve to the proceedings overall.
Granted, a four-song EP might not seem like the fullest representation of what a new outfit can convey, but given the verve and variety shared in these songs, there’s clear evidence that Tornado Rose has a lot to offer. The songs are instantly engaging, flush with a clear melodic appeal that commands attention even at the outset. It’s hard to say why this striking debut was so long in coming, but hopefully there won’t be an extended wait for a follow-up.
Clearly, anticipation has already begun. Tornado Rose is only now beginning to bloom.
