Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 05/20/2003
Robert Carmine paid attention to what his older siblings were listening to while he was growing up, later taking note from big brother
Jason Schwartzman and his band,
Phantom Planet.
Carmine and pals compose
Rooney, and their self-titled debut is roughcast with chunky riffs and magnetic harmonies, slyly challenging
Phantom Planet's glossy
pop sound at the same time. Producers
Keith Forsey and
Brian Reeves craft a solid mix of power-chord
punk and
chamber pop bits for a dynamite collection. It's sunny
rock & roll, really and incredibly fresh in avoiding any kind of comparison to
Weezer. The first three tracks introduce
Rooney's infectious
indie pop style, showcasing how sharp the band is in and outside the studio.
"Blueside" flirts with '60s
surf rock while
"Stay Away" churns such energy for a jagged,
punk cut. The listener should be sucked in by now thanks to
Rooney's boyish charm. If not, the playful, jilted love song
"If It Were Up to Me" will leave you swooning.
Rooney relishes in the band's youth, concentrating on getting the perfect hook without sounding too silly. The five-piece are barely old enough to drink, yet they deliver a real
rock sound that's rich in emotion and cleverness. From the swanky guitar work of
"I'm Shakin'" to the
Cars-inspired
"Simply Because," Rooney's sweet demeanor is undeniable. The album's quirky appeal is reflective of
Rooney's self-assuredness as musicians, and likely characteristic of where the band stands personally.
~MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
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