|
by Aaron Blythe - Apr 01, 2007
Rue Royale - The Search for Where to Go EP "Oh, I will follow you / Even in the darkness / Know you're true," starts the latest EP from Chicago-based Rue Royale, titled The Search for Where to Go. The band's primary members are Brookln and Ruth Dekker: a songwriting duo that will earn your attention. "Even in the Darkness" starts with a semi-scratchy acoustic guitar progression, followed by a very refreshing, ultra-smooth vocal line delivery. Ruth and Brookln's vocal fusion creates such an interesting sonic bond, you simply have no choice but to continue listening. "Parachutes & Lifeboats" provides excellent lyrics that will force you to think about your life. As you listen to the groove of the acoustic guitar and the melody of the vocals, you'll find yourself in a trance, lost in your thoughts. Brookln plays a nice, steady kick drum standing up in their live set, as he does to enhance the groove in this song. "Everybody's lost / They don't know where to go / Everybody's trying / To find their own road" is the droning verse that sticks to the mind like glue. "Walls" and "Everything Comes from You Anyway" provide excellent opportunity for piano parts, delivered nicely by Aaron Stampfl, and use more Tinkertoy® percussion, steadily performed by Aaron Mortenson. At this point in the disc, I am enjoying the idea of more musicians. I could also very easily hear these songs performed by a full rock band, which would be a nice twist, as I am a rock fan. "UFO" displays a nice story telling vocal line. This song also leaves me wondering: "Real hand claps, or keyboard hand claps?" Doesn't matter. The fact that something is there is great. Aaron Mortenson once again performs very fitting percussion: not too little, not too much. The sound quality and mix quality of this EP (recorded by Gordon Persha) are both very good and very fitting. The blending of Ruth and Brookln's vocals is just right. This EP is mellow, mature, thinking music. A great disc to listen to, to relax and to reflect. Rue Royale is on the bill at the Cornerstone Festival this summer. Be sure to give them some love; they deserve it. |