There’s an increasing number of UK-based “Americana” outfits, on the face of it a contradiction in terms. This one, however, contains an ex-member of Cornershop (how nice to be reminded of that great band) and the violinist from Willard Grant Conspiracy. To those who, like me, consider the latter to be a bit plodding and over-rated, Viarosa hit the spot: similar in principle but a lot more rocking and considerably more emotionally upfront. This has to be largely down to singer and principal songwriter Richard Neuberg, whose Lambchop-esque vocals are nicely complemented by backing vocalist Emma Seal. The songs are interesting, combining Neuberg’s personal preoccupations with some unusual medieval references. Standouts are “Blindfold” and the excellent title track, which takes an age to get going but is worth the wait when it does. As for my oft-mentioned assertion that there is no place for violins in rock and roll, well, I still believe it. You’ll have to make up your own mind.
--Oliver Gray
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