Rose's Pawn Shop

I was simply blown away when I first listened to the sophomore effort from Los Angeles outfit Rose’s Pawn Shop this summer. Dancing on the Gallows features genuinely interesting songwriting, and the record sounds great from a production standpoint. What really makes this album so compelling, however, is the way it successfully blends sounds and styles together into something that’s actually unique and progressive. Rose’s Pawn Shop brings together subtle rockabilly rhythms with Celtic flare, occasional bluegrass flavor and even a spattering of Texas honky tonk, and the result is a sound that really can’t be described in terms of anything else. It’s unique, and worthwhile. - American Twang

The fiddle wails like a drunk at last call as lots of empty bottles of bourbon get grounded to bits beneath the perpetually stompin' feet of these Los Angeles bluegrass revisionists forever in search of salvation and/or "One Last Glass of Whiskey," whichever comes first. - Las Vegas Review Jounal

“This is totally and utterly a band who bring out the best in each other. Whilst Ulf Geist and Stephen Andrews pound out furious rhythms, John Kraus on guitar and banjo and Tim Weed on fiddle and mandolin just drive the whole thing along with fire and fury.” - Flyingshoes Review

“In a punky turn of events, the most worthwhile stuff coming out of the LA scene recently has been bluegrass…You can practically smell the horse nuggets when these guys settle in with their mandolins, fiddles, banjos and accordions; one could easily picture them getting 15 minutes of NPR fame as a living tribute to Hank Williams. Givant doesn’t shove phony twang up your nose; his simple tenor nestles into its assigned layers, mixed low enough not to overshadow anything else that’s going on but not hiding either, simply contributing in its own way to a fiercely tight band. In other words, were Williams alive and new today, this could seriously be what he’d sound like.
Grade: A”
- Glide Magazine

“Rose’s Pawn Shop combines Angeleno energy with Appalachian sensibilities on their new, self released recording, Dancing on the Gallows. These five young California dudes rock out with traditional bluegrass instrumentation on original tunes that evoke artists as varied as Hank Williams and Green Day…True to country form much of the lyrical content on this record features drinking, dying, traveling and heartbreak (not necessarily in that order). While these themes are ancient, Rose’s Pawn Shop presents them in fresh way, combining solid country picking with rock n roll attitude.” - Frontier Psychiatrist

“Rose’s Pawn Shop plays a brand of Wild West Americana that features elements of bluegrass, alt-country and Celtic folk alongside rip-roaring rockabilly and punk rock energy. These assorted sounds come across like an Appalachian version of the rambunctious sounds of Flogging Molly or Gogol Bordello.” - Metromix Atlanta

“They have such a knack for blending all their influences into their sound which could sometimes be described as traditional, sometimes country, sometimes bluegrass and yet at other times straight up rock ‘n roll…Rose’s Pawn Shop’s sophomore release Dancing On The Gallows is another great release from the LA band that continues to mashup all of Rose’s influences… I’d put the songwriting on this album up there with some of the best stuff that’s been released this year.” - Cuckoobird.net

“Rose's Pawn Shop brings something new (and quite lacking) to the current musical scene - Originality. Not quite country, Not quite bluegrass, but a wonderful mix of genres that results in a wonderful treat for the ears. The moment I first heard "Arsonist," I knew I'd be hooked for life. Discard what you know, or think you know, about country music and bluegrass and listen. You'll be a fan for life." - Insomnia Radio

“At first impression, Rose`s Pawn Shop comes off as a kick-ass bluegrass band of the traditional variety. But so many things quickly inform your perception of this Los Angeles area quintet that no one pigeon fits the hole. One thing is certain, though; their warmth and energy is super satisfying…Lyricist and lead vocalist Paul Givant offers an inviting focal point with a lilting melodic flair, at times sounding a bit like Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. But mostly his congenial voice is a warm and sympathetic force - filled with equal parts yearning and wonder - pained just enough to convey the classic themes of heartache that inspire all great country songs.” - Miles of Music

“It is a blend of bluegrass, country twang, and punk…If their music doesn't get your boots stompin', I'm not sure what will...Rose's Pawn Shop is all about honest Americana music that will get you moving.” - The Examiner

“Rose's Pawn Shop combines old-school sounds with youthful energy and rock 'n' roll attitude, a marriage that makes for a feverish, spirited live show that veers from raw and wild to transcendent and ethereal.” - The Daily Times Knoxville, TN

“...this young Los Angeles-based outfit sounds like a latter-day Byrds. But there's as much West Virginia as there is L.A. in their hard-driving, eclectic and tightly arranged country rock even when the psychedelic, Celtic and Indian raga elements come to the fore. Inventive songwriting also makes this collection of drinking, stumbling-through-life and, yes, fire-starting tunes prize-worthy in every way.” - Los Angeles Daily News

“Trying to describe the sound of Rose’s Pawn Shop typically involves the use of several hyphens or unlikely comparisons. However, when you have a punk-bluegrass-Celtic-country-rock band that sounds like what would have happened if The Pogues had formed in Kentucky, an easy description doesn’t come easy….While trying to classify the music may be frustrating, listening to it is a pleasure. The twenty-something musicians in Rose’s Pawn Shop skillfully blend a love of traditional bluegrass, country and folk music with a punk rock energy.” - 9513 Country Music

“This L.A. based band is blessed with amazing talent…many have attempted to categorize them as progressive bluegrass, only because you can hear a banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass many associate with bluegrass. Some have even tried to compare them with Nickle Creek. None of this is even close, or fair, to Rose’s Pawn Shop. They have a sound and energy very much their own, and hallelujah amen for that!” - American Roots

“What the Los Angeles quintet Rose's Pawn Shop does with bluegrass, country and rockabilly is analogous to the kind of freewheeling recombination earlier groups practiced with, say, jump blues and Western swing. On their new full-length, Dancing on the Gallows, Rose's Pawn Shop use bluegrass instrumentation, but somehow the idea of Django Reinhardt-style swing has crept into the popular conception of bluegrass, so their music comes across as good old L.A. country-rock with fiddles, banjo and drums — plus a vaguely jazzy harmonic sense. Their clever arrangements are flavored with tempo shifts and overdriven guitars that recall the glory days of psychobilly, as on the idiomatically imprecise but stirring rocker "Ball of Flames.” - Nashville Scene

“Rose’s Pawn Shop has concocted an extremely distinctive and intoxicating mix of bluegrass, rockabilly, honky tonk, Celtic and folk music all used as a foundation for Givant’s songs about heartache, loss and the rigors of the road” - Flagstaff Live!

“Rather than Bushmill’s and sweaty pubs, Rose’s is moonshine and the Appalachians. The music can still knock you on your ass, but it’s just as good around a roaring fire as it is out of speakers.” - OC Weekly

“Acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, pedal steel, and upright bass combine with the standard rock band trinity of drums and electric bass and guitar for a new take on the old alt-country idea of channeling roots music through the grittier tones of rock and roll.” - Popmatters

“... any club promoters or booking agents in need of a vital, rootsy rock band that puts out lots of energy can find it in Rose's Pawn Shop. "Arsonist" and "Funeral Pyre" offers plenty of light and heat, with mandolin, fiddle and a standup bass providing the thumping heartbeat of the music. Vocals by Paul Givant have a combination of strength and sweetness that is consistently appealing.” - Music Connection

“RPS has a malleable alt-country sound, wrapped up in skillfully crafted songs with vocal harmonies and elaborate instrumentation.” - Phoenix New Times

Rose’s Pawn Shop –Dancing On the Gallows “You could string ‘em up until their legs start kicking, or you could turn on this collection of polished bluegrass for the same effect. Thudding country bass lines slide up next to finger-licking good banjo while bluesy guitar solos rain in from above. Brace yourself – even with the classic-sounding vocals – this ain’t your grandfather’s country.” - American Songwriter

“Rose’s Pawn Shop Fires Up Nashville Crowd…The harmonies blend effortlessly and the lyrics flow easily with the melodies as they combine bluegrass, country and rock elements into a style that gives them a definite stage presence and a sound that is totally their own. Whether the fiddle is dancing through a solo or the bass is thumping a rhythm, the band is having a great time entertaining their audience, while the folks out front are enjoying every note being poured out to them from the stage.” - AOL The Boot

”Everything about ‘em is just right – the stellar interplay of its banjo/fiddle/mandolin/guitar/upright bass/drums lineup, the pitch-perfect three and four-part vocal harmonies, the dynamic songwriting… Rose’s Pawn Shop have the accessible edge of new school country/bluegrass and the volatility of the best punk bands, all filtered through the combustible instrumentalism of a nonpareil string band.” - ASCAP

“…the energy and rhythm of the Pogues (if they were a bluegrass band), Charlie Daniels’ fiddle and sensitive vocals that reminded me of Ben Kweller’s recent Changing Horses.” - CMT

“Who would have guessed that a group of twenty-somethings would create such a spectacular collection full of bluegrass & Appalachian sounding music. They are originally a rock band, too… This group infuses upright bass, drums, pedal steel, mandolin, fiddle, & banjos in an innovative way that is well beyond their years.” - About.com

“You can feel the whole barn rumble on Dancing On The Gallows from Rose's Pawn Shop, with booming bass drum, in your face fiddle, and runaway-train banjo. An impassioned vocal delivery that recalls a more countrified Jeff Lang and relentlessly driving momentum will, bluegrass fan or not, have the toe of your worn leather boot tapping in no time.” - No Depression

“Rose’s Pawn Shop is as close to authentic bluegrass roots as you can get from an L.A. band. This is a compliment, not a bash… Rose’s Pawn Shop makes a statement with their music. Life is hard and we’re gonna sing about it and get over it. Sometimes its upbeat, sometimes its slow and sorrowful. Regardless, they know their roots and that is remarkably bold” - KEXP

Most of you should be familiar with Disc Makers, the company that provides CD replication services to unsigned artists. Recently they held the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series (IMWS) West showcase in Los Angeles.

This showcase was open to bands of all genres and so it's very pleasing to see the bluegrass/rock band Rose's Pawn Shop walk away as the grand prize winner.

Rose's Pawn Shop was one of six finalists competing before a panel of fourteen judges that included Bobby Borg, the author of "The Musicians' Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business" and instructor at UCLA, Rob Hoffman, a producer and songwriter who has worked with legendary artists like Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Etta James and Christina Aguilera, and entertainment lawyer Owen Sloane, who currently represents Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty, The Pink Spiders and the American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry.

Rose's Pawn Shop is a band of 20-somethings who play bluegrass infused rock with banjo, guitars, mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel, upright bass and drums.
- Disc Makers and Billboard Magazine

...this young Pasadena-based outfit sounds like a latter-day Byrds. But there's as much West Virginia as there is L.A. in their hard-driving, eclectic and tightly arranged country rock — even when the psychedelic, Celtic and Indian raga elements come to the fore. Inventive songwriting also makes this collection of drinking, stumbling-through-life and, yes, fire-starting tunes prize-worthy in every way. - Daily News

1) Keith Urban - Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing
2) Chris Young - Chris Young

3) Rose's Pawn Shop - The Arsonist
Those of you reading this list might say "Who?" when reading the group name Rose's Pawn Shop, but their album really made an impression on me. I can barely tear myself away from listening to their special blend of Bluegrass / Appalachian and "whatever the heck" else kind of music and instruments they feel like throwing in to the mix. The whole album captures listener's attention from the first note to the last. That's what I love about any album.

4) George Strait - It Just Comes Natural
5) Josh Turner - Your Man
6) Rhonda Vincent - All American Bluegrass Girl
7) Jake Owen - Startin' With Me
8) Montgomery Gentry - Some People Change
9) Tracy Byrd - Different Things
10) Julie Roberts - Men & Mascara
- Jennifer Webb - About.com

Hearing a good, well-recorded debut release from an unsigned band always makes me wonder at the volume of such similar acts that must exist across the globe. Probably a great many of them play within genres that either aren’t highly marketable or are flooded with other artists who have the right haircut and are more aggressively managed.

Meanwhile, the talented group of musicians and songwriters who comprise Los Angeles quintet Rose’s Pawn Shop are driving their own van under the radar.

These 20-something guys actually have the right look; they’re just playing the wrong instruments. Sartorially, they suggest urban indie rock; instrumentally, however, the group are decidedly more rural.

Acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, pedal steel, and upright bass combine with the standard rock band trinity of drums and electric bass and guitar for a new take on the old alt-country idea of channeling roots music through the grittier tones of rock and roll.

On The Arsonist, Rose’s Pawn Shop’s solid debut album, the stylistic marriage favors the roots over the rock, but the oomph of the latter certainly keeps the former from taking over.
- Pop Matters

"I only want the best," Mallette [of Hillgrass Bluebilly Entertainment] explains, "so if a national act is touring with a buddy band and I don't think the other band is up to standard, fine; I'll pay them $250 not to play."

But there was no need to pay off the opening act for tonight. Los Angeles band Rose's Pawn Shop is a big enough draw on its own, and when the band takes the stage around 9 p.m., there's not an empty seat in the house.

Bass player Derek Asuan-O'Brien is thumping away on his glittery red, double-king-size upright bass, which is adorned with a Hillgrass Bluebilly sticker. RPS's banjo player, "Captain John" Kraus, is not here ("He got scurvy," singer Paul Givant jokes from the stage), but fiddle player Sebastian St. John more than makes up for Captain John's absence, playing a furious fiddle that sounds like the devil went down to Georgia, started a riot, lit the state on fire, and then ran back to hell laughing with all the virgins in the South tucked under his arms.

Although Rose's Pawn Shop is an alt-country band, they play so fast that you could literally bang your head to the rhythms. Aside from strange, fiddle-riddled covers of Another Bad Creation's "Iesha" and The Misfits' "Skulls," RPS's set was met with a roar of applause.

"Hillgrass Bluebilly are good people," Givant says into the mic. "Thanks for bringing us out." - Phoenix New Times

At first impression, Rose`s Pawn Shop comes off as a kick-ass bluegrass band of the traditional variety.

But so many things quickly inform your perception of this Los Angeles area quintet that no one pigeon fits the hole. One thing is certain, though; their warmth and energy is super satisfying.

The nervous system of the band is decidedly rock `n` roll, with resounding drums and blazing electric guitars ready to flare.

But the blood is a rural type composed of banjos, acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, pedal-steel, and acoustic bass, which at times carries the groove with tight rockabilly slap action.

Unusual for bluegrass, but perfectly in line here with so many other influences seamlessly infusing the body of their exciting sound; pop, rock, punk, classic and honky-tonk country all work together never leaving a disparate mix in the wake.

Lyricist and lead vocalist Paul Givant offers an inviting focal point with a lilting melodic flair, at times sounding a bit like Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. But mostly his congenial voice is a warm and sympathetic force - filled with equal parts yearning and wonder - pained just enough to convey the classic themes of heartache that inspire all great country songs.

The band`s collectively composed material leaves plenty of room for harmonies, coming from both within the group and from the help of friends.

The chooglin`, Western-themed "Lone Rider" has a congregational call and response quality and is an exciting standout.

But then again, it`s one church on fire against the backdrop of an entire city ablaze.
- Miles of Music

ROSE'S PAWN SHOP
"THE ARSONIST"

Rose's Pawn Shop's brilliant new CD, "The Arsonist" kicks down the door on
what is called country music around here. Deftly and soulfully blurring
elements of bluegrass, punk, folk, alt-country, pop music and even a taste
of Klezmer, RPS lays down a sound as original as it is familiar.

I first heard the song "Deep Red Clay" a couple of years ago played live,
and thought it was some traditional rural standard that had somehow
escaped me. When I learned it was written by Paul Givant I knew I had
stumbled upon a quite formidable new American songwriter. His lyrics and
melodies have the timeless crackle of the ages. Don't however relegate
them to the stagnant backwaters of the bib-overall old-timey crowd because
this album RAWKS.

Givant's vocals have a sweetness and sincerity that resonates even in the
fastest numbers. It 's more in the neighborhood of Glenn Tilbrook
(Squeeze) than to anyone in the country field which is one more thing that
sets this band apart. There's no bullshit here. It's more downtown than
rural route. For all the steel guitars and banjos, there's no phony
alt-country hee-haw, just the pure voice of a real man singing from the
heart. Whether you're surrounded by cornfields, or concrete, that's
country, my friend.

Fiddler/Mandolinist Sebastian St. John is just a monster. He is some kind
of mutant wunderkind drastically upping the ante on fiddle playing. If
Vassar Clements and Eddie Van Halen had a kid he would be Sebastian St.
John. Make no mistake that this is a giant talent at work here.

The sound of RPS is cohesive, tight and the arrangements well thought-out,
taking the listener on a dynamic roller coaster ride. The wicked fast drum
beats and balls-out playing of barnburners like "the Arsonist" and "Lone
Rider" contrast nicely to slower numbers like "One man Show" and the
absolutely beautiful "Reckoning". It's an album filled with ghostly steel
guitars, slapping bass, ringing banjos and wild fiddling. It is also chock
filled with some of the most gorgeous harmony singing since the Eagles.
Harmony singing is what separates great bands from good ones. RPS will get
your arm hairs up and leave 'em up.

Pay close attention to these guys. In the age where most country music is
horrible watered down corporate pop crap we need Rose's Pawn Shop and we
need them bad. The door they are kicking down needs kicking down. I've
said it before, these boys might just might be the guys who save country
music.

Steve Werner
Folksinger
Van Nuys, California
- Steve Werner

"Rose's Pawn Shop brings something new (and quite lacking) to the current musical scene - Originality. Not quite country, Not quite bluegrass, but a wonderful mix of genres that results in a wonderful treat for the ears. The moment I first heard "Arsonist," I knew I'd be hooked for life. Discard what you know, or think you know, about country music and bluegrass and listen. You'll be a fan for life."
- Joshua Olson, Kill Your FM Magazine

...judging by the three tunes we've heard, any club promoters or booking agents in need of a vital, rootsy rock band that puts out lots of energy can find it in Rose's Pawn Shop. "Arsonist" and "Funeral Pyre" offers plenty of light and heat, with mandolin, fiddle and a standup bass providing the thumping heartbeat of the music. Vocals by Paul Givant have a combination of strength and sweetness that is consistently appealing. - Music Connection

Guide Rating - Five Stars

Bottom Line:

Who would have guessed that a group of twenty-somethings would create such a spectacular collection full of bluegrass & Appalachian sounding music. They are originally a rock band, too. All ten songs were written by lead vocalist Paul Givant & the music was arranged by all members of the band. This group infuses upright bass, drums, pedal steel, mandolin, fiddle, & banjos in an innovative way that is well beyond their years. This album is sure to be a favorite of mine for 2006.

Right off the bat, Rose's Pawn Shop shoots out of the gate with their music. "The Arsonist" is the album's title track and is about a woman who basically set the relationship on fire - and not in a good way. The man wants to let go but he's having trouble doing just that. "Eventually I'll be alright. Not tonight. Not tonight," he sings. Putting on his Sunday best is what the man does before holding a "Funeral Pyre" with all of his good-time friends. They'll set fire to the cans until he falls down on the floor laughing. Wanting to be alone to sort through his pain is what the man sings about in "One-Man Show." "I'm comfortable here on my own" is what he says to the woman in case she is out there listening. From the musical introduction to "Lone Rider," you think it will be a rather slow song until it breaks into the thumping upright bass and mandolin playing.

Another song about being lonely is "Long Way To Fall." The woman had his spirits up so high she would never understand how far he has to go to hit rock bottom. "Reckoning" features a prominent mandolin backdrop before getting a little bit heavier when talking about getting revenge. "My Old Valentine" finds a man thinking about the relationship he once shared with a woman he has a hard time forgetting. "I know you're somewhere out there. You're the darkness in day." I love how "Down The Line" is a bit softer sounding with more focus on the vocals. It really showcases the harmony shared between the group members and shows how great lead singer Paul Givant is at writing. The second song that really features the group's harmony vocals is the last track - "Blood Running Rivers." It is a song leaving the lyrics open to your own interpretation. Instead of the message being clear, you find yourself thinking about what the song means to you. - About.com