The Romans

The Coldest Weather debut introduces The Romans as empathetic to indie rock while immersed in influences from wider sources.
Atlanta acts as a melting pot for music; so many genres and influences inspire the music from our city’s bands and The Romans belly up to the bar bringing a warm nostalgic feeling of ‘80s pop and new wave alternative. Aaron Whitehouse’s vocals immediately call to mind Robert Smith of The Cure.
“I Will Call” opens Coldest Weather like a draft blowing through the room. Its bright melodies clash against that backdrop of ‘80s pop that becomes The Romans’ signature sound. All at once it invigorates and inspires a new wave of new wave.
Songs like “Tremble” infatuate the listener’s mind with the melancholy moments that inspire all people to break through instead of breakdown. The implied lack of hope in the chorus, “You’re gunna tremble,” feels challenged by the cascading melodies played by Andrew Colella on synth. The idea further hints at a metaphor coursing through the tracks directly related to the title of the album. “Tremble” stands tall in the center of the album and truly testifies to the entire album’s spirit.
The closing title tracks each have a parenthetical title, “I Am Like You” for track nine’s “Coldest Weather” and “The Sacred Thief” for track ten’s “Coldest Weather.” Getting lost deep within the sultry, saddened vocals and cinematic percussion makes this debut worthwhile. The majority of each track is comprised of melody and instrumentation. The buzzing trail off at the end of track nine brings track ten’s faster-paced dynamic. These songs leave the listener with a satisfied nostalgia rich in hope for the future. The very nature of The Romans’ debut means more chances to dive deeply into a modern take on the music that helped many in those oh so trying formative years. - Atlanta Music Guide

The Romans are the ultimate indie band machine. This four piece ensemble encompasses musical styles of new wave, 80’s rock, and alternative. The Romans have a gloomy tone to their lyrics, but this only showcases their deep, methodical songwriting skills. Although their set centered on this overall despondent tone, The Romans were able to end their show on an uplifting ambiance. Not many bands are able to go from these two opposing feels, but The Romans succeeded beyond belief. - Doobious.org

I Was Born is a single off of The Roman’s forthcoming album, Tomorrow Coming Soon. It is a fantastic mix of surf, indie, and good polished rock music. The song starts off with a catchy hook that is woven through out the entire song making it extremely easy to sing along with even during your first listen. This is an infectious song that cannot be played just once. Not only will the hook get stuck in your head, the smooth guitar riffs against embellished drumming will keep your head bobbing and grooving along even after the song is long over. - Indie Music Reviewer

I discovered The Romans (no relation) while they were playing live in Castleberry Hill for a friend’s art fundraiser. While I enjoyed viewing the art inside the gallery, the music outside was even more compelling. The moody vocals and warm melodies mixed perfectly with the setting sun and casual stroll of passing art enthusiasts.

The Romans’ latest EP — Tomorrow Coming Soon — begins in a similar way with the first track, “I Was Born.” A lovely light touch on percussion and an uplifting guitar melody envelops the vocals. “Tomorrow Coming Soon” is a slower ballad, serene and delicate with lyrics that reveal melancholy and release: “Can’t breathe now, slowly drown. Capsize my thoughts screaming loud, wring me out.”

The final track, “Better Off Dead,” bursts forth with a catchy, post-punk vibe. Some unique composition is found when the music drops out at the end of the chorus, providing punctuation. The Romans showcase their range in both tempo and emotion with these three songs, and should have much more to offer for a full-length album. The EP will be officially released on February 1, 2012, but tracks may be previewed on the band’s Facebook page.

Friends, hipsters, lend The Romans your ear. - Atlanta Music Guide

“Immediately I was taken back to the beginnings of the new wave music scene,when music was raw and full of emotion. The Romans have taken that era and brought it to the present day with deep introspective lyrics combined with a musical embrace that carries you through a journey of sound that is both gentle and aggressive. I was left wanting to hear more from this fresh Atlanta band.” - Soda Mag

The Romans came together last year after bandmates Aaron Whitehouse, Ryan Clevenger, and Zevi Solomon (of the Son Red) abandoned their respective musical projects. The group cemented its sound and jumped into recording the first EP at Orange Peel Studios with the help of producer John Rosser (Alpha Giant, I’m Chinese). Needing a place to mix the recordings on a tight budget, Ed Roland of Collective Soul generously offered up his studio and the group’s resulting debut EP, SAMO, will be released May 20.
The EP features a blend of new wave and dark indie rock that’s seemingly influenced by both Modest Mouse and the Cure. The title track is a doleful melody with captivating guitar licks behind steady drumming that offsets the erratic longing evoked through lyrics of heartbreak. Solomon describes the five-song EP as highlighting “the brighter, more melodic side of what the Romans are doing as a band.” Though the tempo picks up and lightens on songs like “Open Conversation” and “The Love You Let Sleep,” the underlying essence is vulnerable, atmospheric and melancholy. It’s not hard to get lost in the moving melodies, swirling guitars and haunting vocals of each song. For its first effort, the cohesion of sound is solid, suggesting the group has a lot to offer. - Creative Loafing