Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, with the liberal outposts from the 1960s still finding cultural relevance throughout our tree covered territory, there was never any worry that folk music would die out. It’s existed on our stages and street corners for as long as I can remember. Naturally, this means you’ll find its sound shaping everything from local rock and electronic music to hip-hop. This can have mixed results, from truly groundbreaking to the pervasive. That said, it’s a gift to discover a group rooted in folk, but with a unique and colorful take on the music that’s filled my ears for over two decades. The self-described “hard hitting hippies” of Rose Windows are one these groups that successfully blend the sounds of the past into the present. And their debut release The Sun Dogsdeserves our attention.

Just out on Sub Pop, Rose Windows will share their home with a deep catalogue of folk leaning artists—Vetiver, Fleet Foxes, Blitzen Trapper and others. But even nestled among those already vetted label mates, Rose Windows has found a way to set themselves apart. One of the ways they achieve this is with the contribution of vocalist Rabia Shaheen Qazi. On the opening track, “The Sun Dogs I Spirit Modules”, a slow, ominous tune that blooms into beautiful electric guitar and strings, Qazi’s deep vocals float over the song like storm clouds: “Woven by priests and jeweled by the sea, ‘come across as a blackbird,’ gloats the white hand of greed.” On “Season of Serpents” her singing is delicate and sweet, accompanied by acoustic guitar and flute. Qazi’s vocal versatility is boon to The Sun Dogs. Though a thread of consistency is achieved in their album, different instrumental styles and sounds are visited throughout, allowing Qazi room to bend and contour each track.

It’s not difficult to hear the international musical influences Rose Windows embraced on The Sun Dogs. To be sure, this isn’t a disingenuous stab by a band desperate for variety. Each genre (including Indian, Persian and others) joins in harmony with the other, moving fluidly with ease and creating an expansive whole, from Veronica Dye’s flute flourishes on the immense rock burner “Native Dreams” to the Spanish-colored guitar lines and vocal harmonies that lead “This Shroud.” The Sun Dogs is lush and feels true to each style, with the band taking great care to honor the sounds they love.

Be sure and catch Rose Windows on tour while you still can—

Saturday, July 20, 2013 
Mississippi Studios, Portland OR


Saturday, July 27, 2013 
Capitol Hill Block Party, Seattle WA
           

Friday, August 2, 2013 
Mural Amphitheater, Seattle WA


Tuesday, August 27, 2013 
Neato Burrito, Spokane WA

Friday, August 30, 2013 
Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines IA


Sunday, September 1, 2013 
Bishop Bar (IN), Bloomington IN

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 
Space (CT), Hamden CT


Wednesday, September 4, 2013 
Le Poisson Rouge, New York City NY


Thursday, September 5, 2013 
Metro Gallery (MD), Baltimore MD


Friday, September 6, 2013 
Hop Scotch Music Festival, Raleigh NC

Saturday, September 7, 2013 
Hop Scotch Music Festival, Raleigh NC