Tomorrow, Sydney’s favourite hip-shaking purveyors of vintage garage-rock Rosa Maria will unleash unto the world their second full length album, Here She Comes.
But before then, we caught up with the band for a special run-down of the lyrical and musical themes behind each track. Take it away, Rosa Maria…
Before they unleash their second full-length album Here She Comes tomorrow, we caught up with Sydney’s Rosa Maria for a complete track-by-track run-down.
Intro:
This one was born out of the main lead guitar part which Pat had brought to a rehearsal. Consider it the opening credits. It features harmonica by the one and only Owen Penglis.
What Did I Do:
Mexican folklore is a big inspiration behind the lyrics of Here She Comes. This one is a short tale of the last moments before a man’s demise. It was important to try and open the album with a good amount of energy and try project that primitive garage influence we like to take on board.
Tell The Devil:
An obsession with rock ‘n’ roll can definitely pay its toll. I wrote this song when I was in a bit of a bad way and cursed the devil for being so damn captivating. I like to think we will meet one day.
Great Unknown:
When I read The Island Of Dr. Moreau I fantasized about this place being a physical or mental space between life and death. An island to reminisce on before entering the next phase. Many cultures have different ideas and beliefs about this place but this is mine. I’m not trying to convince anyone about it. Just wondering what it might be like.
Howlin’:
This is a very simple adaption of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. I tried to imagine this boy but all grown up and with real problems beyond that of just seeking attention.
No Life For Two:
An ode to our beautiful lead guitar player. I was at Pats’ house and found a piece of paper with the words, “This is no Life for two”. I loved it and wrote a song sitting in his room filled with one of the biggest blues vinyl collections and several old Jack Daniels bottles filled with dead flowers.
Papasito:
A good old fashioned garage dance tune. We made papa off the back of a bass riff at a drunken rehearsal. As soon as drums were added and we were chanting in shit Spanish we knew we had a dance floor hit. “Mi español es malo” loosely translates to, “My Spanish is bad” which reflects the whole song and its lyrics.
Dead Cat Swamp:
Dead Cat Swamp is the place the black dog drags you once it finally tracks you down. It’s about trying to manage your problems with unhealthy coping strategies. Musically, there’s a 13th Floor Elevators & Count Five vibe which I dig. Owen Penglis nailed that screaming harmonica solo.
Shake ‘Em Away:
I heard that The Easybeats use to visit the Cricketers Arms Hotel in Surry Hills – just around the corner from my old place I was living in. I used to drink there with my dog during the day and wrote this song in the beer garden. It’s based off Chuck Berry’s Downbound Train. I’m bewildered by a lady who dances on the side of the street shaking away all of her pain into the night.
Here She Comes:
La Calavera Catrina comes to visit me through the night. She’s the voice inside your head. The one that you trust, or you gamble on. She’s also the symbol for the day of the dead. The celebration of death.
I’ll Be Gone:
I had to write something to help me transition from this all too familiar theme that I’m sure you are aware of by now. Lyrically, you’ve got to develop and experiment with new themes and ideas. This one is a bridge from Here She Comes to whatever is in store next for Rosa Maria.
Here She Comes is officially out tomorrow, September 20th. Pre-order yourself a vinyl copy here.
