Stealing Roses. Rochester-based band melds indie rock with piano, jazz, funk, pop, and everything in between.

by Blake Cooper

Stealing Roses are building a forest, and they need your help. No, really.

It started with just one ficus plant, dubbed "the Stealing Roses
tree," which can be seen onstage at any Stealing
Roses show. Then, the

"Everyone should feel free to bring a fake tree to the shows. We'll put them all onstage while we play. It'll be like playing in a
forest!"

And even if you're not an outdoorsey type, checking out a Roses show might not be a bad idea. The band, which blends mainstream piano-rock with an indie, DIY mentality, is one of the most innovative local bands in awhile--not always an easy niche to fill for an up-and-coming band.

"When we say we can't describe our sound, that we're experimental, people naturally assume Radiohead," says Roses drummer Jeff Marini. "But it really has to be heard."

While the sound fits comfortably within an indie rock label, they
encompass everything from modern rock to piano rock, jazz, and beyond. With influences ranging from Coldplay and Incubus to Jurassic 5 and Dave Matthews Band, their style has an expected fluidity to it, something that definately plays as a strength on their latest release, 2004's March To the Moon. The result is a listener friendly collection of songs, ranging from the catchy, (gasp!) poppy melodies of The Avenue, to the laid back feel of the title track. And for a release with such a do-it-yourself vibe (the album was recorded by the band), it's a surprisingly professional sound.

Although the band admits it's been hard finding a niche in the
hardcore/emo Rochester music scene, they manage to keep busy. They are currently setting up a tour (check for updates on their
website--www.stealingroses.com), and are planning to record their
follow-up to March at Summer Productions (Marini's father's studio),
and according to their website, "The fidelity will make your juice
ferment." Based on the demos, the band has matured quite a bit. "The new songs tend to be a lot happier. They're more upbeat, but also more experimental."

For more information, regular updates, or to purchase March To the
Moon, check out www.stealingroses.com. And if you check out a show--be sure to bring a tree to add to the forest.