Rose City Band – Sol Y Sombra – Limited Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl, LP, Thrill Jockey, 2025

Rose City Band crafts sun-kissed, timeless country rock with effortless momentum, balancing joy and underlying darkness. Led by guitarist/vocalist Ripley Johnson, their sound is rooted in 70s private press records. Alongside Johnson, pedal steel guitarist Barry Walker, keyboardist Paul Hasenberg, and drummer John Jeffrey blend rhythmic drive with lush atmospheres. Their interplay unfolds like desert flowers, vibrant yet shaded. Special guest Sanae Yamada adds synth and vocals, while album closer “The Walls” builds to a cathartic finish. Sol Y Sombra embraces space and rich tonality, seamlessly balancing the somber and the serene.