The Portland-based Rose City Band – the solo project of singer/guitarist Ripley Johnson (Wooden Shjips, Moon Duo) – follows-up the deeply satisfying 2020 Summerlong release with his third album in three years, Earth Trip, another set of cosmic Americana wanderlust songs. Earth Trip was recorded primarily alone at Johnson’s home except for some pedal steel from Barry Walker (North Americans) and mixing by Cooper Crain (Bitchin’ Bajas, Cave). Generally, Earth Trip picks-up where Summerlong leaves off with themes of space, stillness, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. According to Johnson, “Earth Trip was written during a period of sudden shocks and drastic lifestyle changes for me. I was forced to cancel extensive touring plans for 2020, where I found himself home for an extended period for the first time in years. No longer was I in constant motion, finally able to experience and enjoy the simple pleasures of home life, of being in one place, taking hikes in nature, bathing outside, and waking with the dawn. All of this allows me to form new connections to my surroundings, everything from tending to a garden, to sleeping out under the stars. It may sound silly, nevertheless, I found renewed hope and healing in a more mindful relationship with the natural world.” Album highlights include: the moving opening track “Silver Roses”; the free-flowing ode to nature “Lonely Places”; the beautifully melancholic “In the Rain”; and the comforting earthly vibes of “Dawn Patrol.” Rose City Band’s Earth Trip features another set of richly textured, breezy, easy-going songs that celebrate stillness, space, and taking time to enjoy the natural world around us. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Cut Worms, Garcia Peoples, Moon Duo, Wooden Shijps, Woods