Rose Rose is an intriguing project. A duo, these two young producers are entirely self-taught musicians working between Paris and London. Their debut single synthesizes a culmination of two years of sonic research, a debut that is already astounding to begin with, without even considering just how young these producers are. “Sugar Hill,” the first taste of the future for Rose Rose, was released in late November this year and teases a dreamy world infusing elements of 70’s disco, funk, house, and glittery pop.
From the first note, “Sugar Hill” feels fresh. A sheet of symphonic synthesizers introduces the track only to be interrupted by a warm bass lick. This blending of instruments is part of what makes the work here so tremendous: there’s layers and layers of guitars, synths, drums, and soft but mature vocals that seem to incapsulate several genres at once. But there’s no sign of strain or overindulgence to be found. “When I was there I wondered why / there was no one else / moving to the sign of the times,” the mellow vocals sing. Rose Rose isn’t the first group to pull off a retro genre-mash like this, but it does make you wonder why there aren’t more people “moving to the sign of the times.”
The influence of French house on this track is clear. As much as this work by Rose Rose has garnered comparisons to the iconic sounds of Daft Punk, it really is true. The combination of digital sounds in the synths and organic guitars is executed with sophisticated flair, conjuring a shimmering atmosphere that is both futuristic and retrospective. The vocals, described by Rose Rose as ‘utopian,’ reflect this sense of genre blending, envelope pushing, and crystal-clear production. In “Sugar Hill” the mixing is airy and the arrangements are tight: the craft is evident here.
The original cut of the song spans over four and half minutes (there’s also a radio edit that is about a minute shorter), but it never overstays its welcome. The vocals are just as much an instrumental tool as the guitars or keys. Whenever the lyrics come in, they don’t linger; instead, they’re used to bolster the already mellow construction of melodies and harmonies. Often Rose Rose employs short quips for their lyrics that enhance the rhythmic progression of the song: “Take a break / be awake … there’s no doubt.” By the time the glittery synthetic outro lulls you out of the world they’ve so delicately crated, you’re left only wanting more.
rose Rose’s “Sugar Hill” is a triumphant debut single for the French duo. Part disco, part soul, part pop, part house—the project is ambitious but executed masterfully. For an album conceived after only two years of musical exploration, I’m genuinely thrilled about what’s next for Rose Rose in their upcoming debut album. If “Sugar Hill” is the benchmark, it will be nothing short of sublime.
