In 2003, a Texas band named Rosa made their one and only record. If you blinked, you probably missed it, not to mention the band’s entire existence. Brad and Emmalee started the band, he on guitar, she on a single snare drum. They both sang, not harmonizing but singing together in a sloppily charming sort of way. They eventually added Kirke on washtub bass and Ben, who could almost sorta play the fiddle and banjo. And with that, Rosa’s lineup was complete. They weren’t masterful, but they were melodic and fun.

They released “I Mississippi You,” which contained a dozen acoustic punk rock anthems, the perfect music for hopping trains or jamming in the living room of your squat. Think Old Crow Medicine Show without the chops and preferring Op Ivy to Woodie Guthrie. They may not have been polished, but they were urgent. Other bands have tried the acoustic punk thing — Even in Blackouts and Ghost Mice come to mind — but Rosa really nailed it. And just as quickly as they began, so too did they conclude. They eventually became the non-acoustic band Punkin Pie, who, too, have since broken up. Thankfully, Rosa leave behind their one and only record, a minor classic, which you can order from Plan-It X Records, who have released records by several bands from the genre.

Rosa - “Starch + Carbohydrates”
Rosa - “Hitched Up Kids”
Rosa - “Milk Crates”

RELATED: Attack of the Punk Rock Ukuleles | Q&A: The King Blues