Roller Derby - “Something True”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Wye Oak, Belle & Sebastian, Girlpool

German trio Roller Derby inject pop charm into their cooled indie rock foundation, shared across a set of introductory singles since debuting last year. Dreamy, classic pop melodies put through a bedroom rock filter, Roller Derby’s control is impressive out of the gate. While hazily delivered, Roller Derby’s songs tend to build into full crescendos, taking pretty, floating lines and layering like orchestral composers. Through this, much of their tracks remain upbeat, including in the 80s synth-pop reflections of “Cant’ See You” and the swinging folk backbone of most recent single “Something True”. It’s early, but there’s definitely growth from debut new-wave jams “I Wish” and “Flying High”, lately sounding determined with swinging percussion and echoing guitar riffs. No matter what, Roller Derby are consistently comfortable, softening their otherwise sunny sound with thin, melancholy veneer. (Kevin McStravick)