The Rosedales

It's been a long time coming, but finally those freaks over at the World Horror Network and Dr. Cyclops Records have released the second Horror It All compilation. Some things have changed since volume one; the bands and songs are better and it's a two disc set! The first HIA comp. was a little hard on the ears, I don't think many of the bands put much thought into the songs they submitted and I don't think they cared either. Nevermind all of that gibberish, this sequel will have you robbing graves in no time! After my initial listen I was very pleased with the song order as all the songs flow nicely together. Disc one opens up with Diemonsterdie's "One Night At Devil's Rock". I've said it before and I will say it again, this band is the be all end all of Horror Rock, nobody is better. Zero Delorean's vocals are phenomenal as is the music of the tune. Next up we have "Nightgown" by The Rosedales. This group has always intrigued me deeply due to the structure and various influences that come out in their tunes. "Nightgown" is a far cry from their previous work, rather than the normal "Beach Boys meets The Misfits", it's a hybrid mix of Horror laced with splashes of New Wave and Post Punk - think Duran Duran and A Flock of Seagulls.

-Black Angel Promotions Review of "The Horror Of It All Vol.2"

The faithful Clergy here at Musical Ministry has asked me to review "Raise Your Spirits" the latest and second release by "The Rosedales" a Chicago based horror-punk band. In most cases I would decline the offer to write a review, this time however I will make the exception. Thanks to Rev Payn for giving me a copy of the cd in order to review it. "The Rosedales" have been featured numerous times here on Musical Ministry, and over the years have received much praise from their live shows in the review section. I myself had to see, or rather hear, what all the hype was about. Let us start with the image depicted upon the cd jacket. We see a girl kneeling as if to say a bed time prayer only to notice on the reverse side of the cover the girl is gone and the surroundings are rather spooky to say. Almost a comic book image of horror as is the inside cover with an image of the band as well as the complete story of who "The Rosedales" are. If you're a fan of horror this cover alone and jacket will catch your attention. But one must wonder now that they have your attention can they keep it? The first track is somewhat of an intro,"11:59", where you hear a chilling abduction of a girl, and then it breaks right into track two "It's Midnight". The chilling sounds of hollow body guitar

-Musical Ministry

The Rosedales are one of the best Horror rock bands around bar none!! Their talent is undeniable and Raise Your Spirits is proof of that, this is a must have album for your collection, if you own the Fiend Force Vol 2. comp you have heard "It's Midnight" that song is featured on this CD as well as a bunch of amazing songs, dont be foolish get your copy now!

-World Horror Network

Should the Beach Boys ever decided to make Horror Rock music they're too damn late! The Rosedales contribute a track so catchy that it just blows me away. "It's Midnight" definitely gets my vote for greatest background vocals ever. It also helps that the guitar riffs and melody lines are embedded with deep roots of Rhythm and Blues. I have been enjoying this band's full length cd for awhile now, I suggest you do the same.

Black Angel Promotions Review of "This Is HorrorPunk 2"

Twenty-eight tracks, twenty-eight bands and over seventy-five minutes of 'wo-ohs', evil Elvis impersonations and songs about zombies. For any Misfits fans out there this compilation was made for you, by you. I personally quite like the Misfits, but found that this got a bit much. I know the aim is to give an over-view of the horrorpunk scene, but you have to remember this is punk and seventy-five minutes is just too long. Having said that there are several bands worth spinning this for. Openers Calabrese crack out a nice shout along chorus in 'Midnight Spookshow', a touch A.F.I. in places and Nim Vind gives us another brilliant dose of pop-punk with eye-liner and pessimism in 'Killing Saturday Night'. The real treat here though are The Rosedales who stand out from the others with their Crowded House style vocals and ghoulish piano break on 'It's Midnight'. There's others worth hearing as well (The Young Werewolves, Ghoul Squad, Penis Flytrap) and it's worth noting that none of the bands from 'This Is Horrorpunk Vol. 1' were duplicated on this second release. This is more than just a disguised label sampler, but is better suited to established Fiend Clubbers than new converts.

-Blacklisted Review of "This Is Horrorpunk 2"

I have heard The Rosedales latest album, "Raise Your Spirits" and I think a lot of people are going to be startled by what they hear... a slight change from what they used to be, no more poppy sounding songs. It is almost like a clash of agressive/melodic sounding music with the same haunting vocals. All I can say is watch out for them. Possibly one of the next break out bands of 2005.

-Ambush The Night

The Rosedales are from Chicago Illinois. They used to go under the strange moniker of "The Onlys", a tribute to Jerry Only of the Misfits I guess, but changed their name after some other band from Texas threatened to sue their ghostly asses. So now they take their name from a local Chicago park that is rumored to be haunted by four ghosts. The story goes like this... First we have 2 brothers, one who died in Germany, the other in Chicago, burned as a witch. Our next victim was killed at Gettysburg (shot in the face) in 1863, and the fourth died in a "Hot-Rod" accident in the summer of 1965, at the stroke of midnight. The four members of the Rosedales claim to be their spirits. And although they wear corpse paint like the Misfits and other Horror-Punk outfits, they claim it is most definitely NOT makeup or paint. They look like they do for one, very simple reason, they are actually dead. Under their old name, The Only's they released one album called "Gravest Hits", on Friday the 13th, October 2000. Their new album, "Raise Your Spirits", was released just before Halloween in 2003. The band views their sound as a mix of classic Punk, Rockabilly, and Elvis, with a dash of modern and 50s Rock. However, what I hear on this disc is a little different. Just by the band's image and appearance, I was expecting a Misfits clone, or maybe something along the lines of Blitzkid, Eerie Ln., or even Cancer Slug. What we have here though has more to do with early 80s "New-Wave" and AOR, than the Misfits. There are hints of all these bands from a bygone era that my wife still clings to, bands such as; the Police, the Tubes, the Spoons, the Cars, and even Canada's own Frozen Ghost (which is oddly, also the title of the band's biggest "hit"). Upfront, it all sounds sort of radio friendly, that is until you start to pay attention to the lyrics, which are just a little creepier than your average FM radio hit. Sure there are those hints of 50s Rock that manage to creep their way through, but they're more in the background, and don't really jump out at you. One thing is for sure, these guys are a unique entity in a sub genre that sees a helluv a lot of copycatting. Oh, and I should also mention, the band travels to all their gigs in a cool as hell Hot-Rod 1965 Cadillac Hearse, with bitchin' flames painted on it. It's a true fiend's ultimate dream ride. So anyway, if you're looking for something a little different in the realm of Horror-Punk or Death-Rock, this may be the thing for you.

-Urotsukidoji's Pad

The Rosedales: Ghoulish, sure, but ladies these guys will make you swoon. Monster ballads from a monster rock band! To hell with Kiss meeting the Phantom of the Park, there's no "Beth" here.

-CRC RADIO

Well it is better later than never, I finally got my bloody paws on a copy of "Raise Your Spirits" from the Rosedales! Local residents of a Chicago graveyard now a park..Rosedale park to be exact. If you are unfamiliar with the quartet I am sorry, this is one of those bands that you need to know. The Rosedales released "Raise Your Spirits" in late 2003 and are now hard at work writing material for a brand new album..fingers crossed. Shallow Grave Records will have this gem out for us by 2006.

When I asked Christian Danger (Drummer) about their sound he told me Elvis meets the Misfits meets the Damned meets the Beach Boys. I could not agree more. A perfect description of what you are in for when you listen to this album, "Raise Your Spirits" is Haunting, Eerie, and chucked full of perfection, a "Sweet Symphony" of excellent music and breathtaking vocals. Rip Fantom and Mark Dangers vocals compliment the music perfectly.

I salute the Rosedales and have no doubt that their next records will be just as sweet with melodic misery as this fine piece of work. If you do not know The Rosedales, or you do not own a copy of this album, you need to! It's as simple as that. Elvis meets the Misfits meets the Damned meets the Beach Boys. If any of these appeals to you, then The Rosedales "Raise your Sprits" is an album for you.

9/10 Skulls
-World Horror Network

Most people figure the 1950's rock and roll died with the decade, then they're wrong. It's been pumping in the hearts of many bands, but most impressively in the hearts of the Rosedales. Formally know as the Onlys, the band creates smooth sounding, progressive rock and roll that delivers some of the best musical and vocal harmonies to have been heard in recent years.

The album begins with a track called "11:59" in which it's raining outside and you hear footsteps walking up to the door, the lady of the household answers the door, asks "who's there" and the next thing you hear is her screaming. From there "It's Midnight" picks up and takes you on a journey with no time to pack your belongings or say goodbye to your loved ones. "Cool Black Moon" is one of those tracks where you can either be hanging out with your friends in their convertible and getting into trouble around town or sitting on the water's edge at the beach with your best girl. Next is "Frozen Ghost" which was originally an Onlys song, and is a single off Raise Your Spirits and with good reason. Like I previously mentioned, Impressive harmonies run rampant in this tune like a zebra being chased by a lion. Next, a little love tune "So Ordinary" bleeds through the fact that some beasts need a beauty to realize they're not the monster so many make of them. One of my favorite tracks "In The Dark" is a heart wrenching song that leaves everything you once felt so happy about dead and leaves you to sulk in your coffin for the rest of eternity. "Moon Glow" contains the brilliant harmonies that were once heard in Beach Boy tunes in decades past. If you dig pompadours and fast cars, then "Dragstrip Fury" is definitely a tune for you! Your can feel the motor oil in your veins. "Shiver" does exactly that to you. Leaves you feeling cold even if it's 90 degrees around you. Grab you shoes, grab your lover and head down to the cemetery! It's time to dance. "Vampire girlfriend is the only way." (Definitely something I can agree with!) "The End" ends the album where it startedkicking and screaming!

"Raise Your Spirits" is an album for all musical tastes and all music lovers. I cannot say enough great things about this album and the band. The Rosedales are just one of those bands you have to have in you your music collection.

-Black Angel Promotions.

-Ambush The Night