ALBUM REVIEW: Go! – Roulette

Swedish melodic rockers, ROULETTE, have put out their newest record Go!. The story behind the quintet is interesting as it is a lesson in pushing forward despite the odds being stacked against you. It all started back in 1985 when the five members, after being in different bands, met and started performing together in their hometown, Sundsvall. What followed was taking part in the competition, POP-86, resulting in being signed to a label, yet despite releasing a string of singles a debut full length never happened thanks to a series of record deals falling apart.

Yet fast forward to 2008 and, after waiting two decades, ROULETTE finally released their first official album. It’s been a good 17 years since then with multiple tours, festival appearances and further record releases, showing that pure dedication can pay off in the end.

Despite the inspiring backstory, ROULETTE’s newest release, whilst pleasant, isn’t as memorable as one might have hoped for. Opening song, Answer My Prayers, at first leaves you anticipating an upbeat rock n roll record with a solid track list, but as things progress you find yourself noting how cliché and ‘safe’ it sounds. Ok, maybe it’s just a weak opening track, things will get better…right? Fire In Your Eyes is next and, again, starts out promising where it sounds like we’re heading into anthemic rock territory, but once again we’re missing that factor that has you hooked. We’re missing that ‘oomph’ that gets you excited and eager to keep listening. Instead, you find yourself becoming bored.

It just gets to a point where one wonders whether it’s worth sticking around for the remainder of the album as it’s clear how each song is going to sound at this point.  This album is a frustrating listening experience, because in no way shape or form does it sound terrible, it’s just dull and clichéd to the point you want to get angry. Even songs that take on a grittier style, such as Strangers and Take Me As I Am, which should give them an edge yet, whilst certainly a change of pace, feels almost wasted as parts that should make you intrigued and pulled in are instead just dull.

To be fair, there are two songs that, somewhat, stand out for at least trying to experiment with something a little different. What Are We Looking For features ethereal synths that you can tell is meant to give you a sense of wonder, capturing a scene where one feels an elated sense of being free and alive with fleeting moments of stunning riffs, yet it’s drowned out. And potentially the most interesting song, She Can’t Hide, only really shines thanks to the 80s styled pop synths that are reminiscent of CHER’s If I Could Turn Back Time.

Dull and nothing really special yet still sounding pleasant. It feels like such a waste of time to even bother going past the third song on this record.

Rating: 4/10

Go! is out now via Black Lodge Records.

Like ROULETTE on Facebook.