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The Ripe - http://www.theripe.tv/julia-rose-stairway-to-the-moon-ep/​​
Ep Review - Julia Rose 'Stairway to the Moon'
Aug 2012​

Julia Rose is a treasure from up on the Gold Coast that’s been sharing her talent in various guises for the past decade. Still performing in a collection of bands, she has released her second solo EP, Stairway to the Moon, and is currently embarking on a limited Australian tour.
With a three-octave range and multi-skilled musicianship, it’s a wonder her Aussie folk ballad-style hasn’t taken over the world yet. “The Rain it Came” is a revolving melody that’s catchy as hell. A fast-paced roots number that ducks in and out of an incredible violin accompaniment while Rose walks you through stormy Queensland weather via operatic vocals.
The rest of her EP follows similar lines: fun guitar licks, multi-instrumentation and flawless vocal technique. What strikes me most about Rose though, is that she’s writing some brilliantly honest tunes. She uses her music to tell narratives that comfortably transport you to where she is. Maybe she’s a better storyteller because of the genre she is working in but listening to a tune like “Melbourne Town” tells me otherwise. Such scope as she croons in ballad and is backed by a beautiful string section and jazz-influenced folk rhythms: she is bending genres to fit her style and not working for anything.
“Gina” steps into Cabaret territory in the same fashion as The Cat Empire with an energetic and comical vocal performance. Her operatic asides pitch it to a new level though; I’m shuddering trying to compare her against anything or anyone else.
What is clear is that this talented beauty is anti-essentialist and damn entertaining. This week she’s reminded me why I love music so much, and it’s been a while.
Julia Rose is currently touring around Australia but unfortunately won’t be joining us in Melbourne. Her second EP Stairway to the Moon is out now through Human Records.
REVIEW BY STEF ITALIA

BMA Mag - http://www.bmamag.com/
Ep Review - Julia Rose 'Stairway to the Moon'​
Sept 2012​

The musical Cottone family just keep on casting up impressive talent. Bassist and vocalist with reggae rockers Anarchist Duck, Julia Rose Cottone, has branched out from those waterfowl revolutionaries. A year after launching her selftitled debut, she’s back with Stairway To The Moon. This EP is a real family affair, with support from her sisters Louise (who plays in the Australian
Youth Orchestra) on violin and Claire (who has released her own songs as CC The Cat) on mandolin. It’s a departure from the Anarchist Duck style, but still heavy on the roots vibe, transcending the whole genre with colourful flashes of folk, jazz and world music. The songwriting is fresh and down-to-earth, with tales including a famous local cook and a bloke who blocks the boat ramp all day with his car. Julia Rose’s vocals come across with the strength of Diana Anaid and she displays some of the three octave range of her voice in the title track. For the keen ear, there’s a spooky Seekers feeling there too, with a tone that carries the crispness of Judith Durham with a deeper shade. This comes across particularly in Broken Wooden Chair. The opener Melbourne Town is the CD highlight, with its seductive guitar, backdrop of a lonely whistle and gypsy violin creating an atmosphere of melancholy beauty. The influence of Julia’s international touring experience dominates Gina, with flamenco guitar, castanets and cries of ‘Olé!’
REVIEW BY RORY McCARTNEY

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