Ruby Coast - Self Titled EP

If you're at all up on the local Ontario music scene, then you're likely already familiar with this Aurora based infectious five piece. Their bio compares them with Tokyo Police Club, Vampire Weekend and Born Ruffians. I'll admit that it was that particular tag that prevented me from pumping them into my stereo as early as many of my peers did, simply because honestly, if you want to get noticed in the blog world, who else are you going to compare yourself to? I find it hard to harness enough of an inner 15 year old girl mindset to truly get into TPC, and I like VW to an extent, but I find it hard to get through a whole CD. I know, call me mister difficult. (I like Born Ruffians though.)

That's why by the time I finally did check out Ruby Coast, I was pleasantly surprised. Their debut EP, while still providing a lot of room for growth, is an addictive blend of shout heavy enthusiastic power pop. The vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Death Cab, but with a youthful vigor that cannot be replicated unless one actually is a youth. The band members are apparently fresh out of high school, and already they've honed their abilities to a point where I'd imagine that there is no such thing as a safe dance floor when they're in the room. According to various reports, their live show is a massive funbag of delightful noise, and according to other sources, they killed at NXNE.

The opening synth meets steady drum beat of EP opener More Than Television gets the head bobbing started early. It's met with earnest and emotive vocals that would seem contradictory if left in less capable hands. The breakdown at 1:58 into the song is a pleasant surprise, showing that the band is definitely open to changing things up a little bit, and when they progress to a feature full length, I'm looking forward to seeing how they incorporate this element of variety into their sound. The bass line in Laugh At Alice has an early 80's groove, and the songs abrupt ending after only a minute and 48 seconds with everyone shouting "Alice!" made me smile. Neighbourhood is an example of youthful indie pop perfection, with the ever popular shout chorus used in a way that evokes jubilation, as opposed to smarmy irritation (which is more often the case.) Brittle Bones and I Live With Monsters are perfect ways to end this all too brief release as the former boasts a cool sounding guitar solo, and the latter goes for a slight new wave build up coupled with interesting backing vocals that'll certainly make you jump around.

Ruby Coast will be playing Sneaky Dee's on July 26th w/Miracle Fortress, Think about Life, and Adam & the Amethysts.

Photo by Kid With Camera

Myspace: Ruby Coast
Download: Brittle Bones mp3