Red, Yellow & Blue, 2008

‘Red, Yellow & Blue‘ – one colour for each member of the Toronto band Born Ruffians. With an ordinary band set-up, guitar/bass/drums, three Canadian friends commited an extraordinary album. With only three colours you can create a masterpiece. Born Ruffians are the living proof of this.

While not being much of a ruffian-band they manage to attract attention otherwise. Not by breaking stuff or commiting vandalism but playing their thoughtfull music material. The bright voice of Luke Lalonde accompanied by the uh/ah choir of bassist Mitch Derosier and drummer Steven Hamelin creates a marvellous atmosphere. In addition to this comes the bands instrumental creativity and the sublime text work: “If I started my own country / For the flag, what colours would I use? / Such a myriad to choose from / I would pick red, yellow & blue // Red, for the blood I’d spill to own it / Yellow, for the sun which shines my way / And although I am leader of this country / Blue, because I’d still have sad days“. Crooked rythems, uptempo beats, part-singing choir and melodic guitar riffs are mixed together into a damn good tasting music cocktail. All in all everything works perfect on this record. Taking garage rock to ‘the next level’ BR deserves to be praised and honoured for this record – it is extremly recommendable.

Please pay causion: This album grows bigger and bigger! I spend several hours listening to this album. I wouldn’t garantee good first impressions, however, if you like bands like The Strokes, Animal Collective or Modest Mouse this album will likely – over time – fall in (very) good taste. BR has the same catchy beats ans riffs as The Strokes. Luke Lalonde’s way of singing is inspired by Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse. Animal Collective’s playful universe is also to be found in BRs’ music. It takes time to capture all of this and that is why it grows and keeps growing. The most fantastic and beautiful albums are these kinds of albums.

Now, go out and buy that album.

Born Ruffians on myspace

Born Ruffians on the web