Born Ruffians - Say It

Wed 26th May, 2010 in Music Reviews

If Born Ruffians’ debut record, Red, Yellow & Blue was like declaring “Here are the young men” then sophomore album, Say It is about the band proving what kind of people they’ve become. In 2008 they won fans over with their upbeat, indie rock tunes and then they played to the kids on Skins. Now they are on the verge of unveiling a sound that is somewhat matured, certainly more polished but no less fun and quirky.

In prepping this record some things remained the same – they enlisted producer Rusty Santos (Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear) and gave themselves about a fortnight to record things. But for the writing process the songs were more of a collaborative effort arising from jams rather than being produced in isolation or recording stacks of demos like their first works.

Say It features ten songs that are indie pop of the kind that is cheery and buoyant without being overwhelmingly sugary, the kind of stuff you can dance to but also sit back and enjoy. Evoking the spirit of the bright summertime, the tracks meander by at a pace that never lulls or gives rise to dull or soft moments.

Oh Man will make your ears prick up within seconds thanks to a stuttering guitar riff and stop-start beat that is all twisted instruments and the kind of afrobeat percussion typically synonymous with Vampire Weekend. As the guitar rumbles and rolls along the bass advances in spades and the drums hold down the beat. Meanwhile, Luke LaLonde sings to a younger version of himself, “You’ve got to go man/and take your place in this wonderful race”. In short, if the tortoise won then these guys weren’t far behind.

Next up, Retard Canard is like the answer to Violent Femmes’ Blister In The Sun because it’s about a burning desire to set the world on fire one exuberant pop song at a time. The chorus also references The Ink Spots’ I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire.

Sole Brother is a clever and funky track that marries up what could have been two rather mismatched elements – the passion to be a soul brother and an only child. This one also sees LaLonde singing like Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig. But the Ruffians keep the guitar riffs jingle-jangly and other instruments off-kilter enough to retain their mark over proceedings all the while not venturing too far away from their clean, indie pop sounds.

Elsewhere there is some ambling along on horseback in Come Back and some sparkly ripples of air via an alt-country groove. The boys also keep things bright and happy by visiting the place where the likes of Fleet Foxes and Cloud Control most typically inhabit. Similarly, Blood, The Sun & Water seems to be written specifically for fans of Yves Klein Blue or The Boat People, as it is like the musical equivalent of a magician pulling tricks like coloured handkerchiefs out of his top hat to a bemused crowd.

Born Ruffians tinkered and toiled playing with Minimoogs and saxophones only to leave the fat off during the mixing process. The finished product therefore still boasts unexpected flourishes; odd curveballs; and bouncy and playful rhythms delivered with a confidence that comes with extra worldliness. In all, it’s endearing and shiny indie pop that is pure bottled fun.