Born Ruffians - Red, Yellow and Blue (Album)
» Born Ruffians - Oxford Art Factory, NSW - Thu, February 5
Born Ruffians are what you would expect from a band with such a descriptive name. Fun and boppy but managing to, at times, have a hard sound they’re definitely going to take strides in 2008. Their debut album ‘Red, Yellow and Blue” follows their 2007LP 'Hummingbird', some songs of which feature on RWB. These lads from the vast expanses of Canada impressed me with some damn catchy tunes of theirs. Hopefully they’ll make a trip down here sometime soon, I have a feeling these kids put on one helluva show. From the opening I’m greeted with the sweet sounds of nature, progressing into a sweet melody. Oh Luke Lalonde, be still my beating heart! How his Alec Ounsworth like vocals steal me.
Though at times he can get a little high in pitch, he’s just so darn adorable that I choose to ignore it. Hummingbird is playful while ‘I Need a Life’ desperately calls out for attention with some delightful backing vocals reassuring us that they are more party animal than they may seem. ‘Little Garcon’ let’s the boys delicately strum and tap with their gangly frames while I sway along. A little slower than the rest, it still has poppy merit. and while ‘badadonkey’ can be a bit tiresome, that’s where any disappointment ends.
Realising I keep referring to this album as pop, I mean it in the most positive way possible. Born Ruffians are that kind of indie/pop that you want to hug. anarchic and rebellious in every way, they manage to be sincere and sweet, there is really nothing bad to say about them. i mean, who wants to put the kids down? they're a more youthful reincarnation of Clap Your Hands, and very possibly, more entertaining live.
Drummer Steven Hamelin while not attacking his drums with quite as much fervor as hoped, does a good job of keeping the bands quirky appeal in tact. Every member contributes to the vocals, providing many a sing-along moment which I enjoyed oh-so much. Born Ruffians do have a similar sound to Vampire Weekend, but each still have their own individual quirks, Born Ruffians just happen to be refining theres. If their debut RYB is any indication of what’s to come, well then I can’t wait to hear what they can come with next.
