Saturday, March 27, 2010

Ruffian Royale - Hardest of the Hard

I very rarely listen to ska/reggae of any type. I tend to shy-away from repetitive guitar lines and marijuana bliss. However, I was sent a copy of Ruffian Royale's latest e.p. this morning and I can't get these songs out of my head. I love them. 

The e.p. is definitely one that you have to nourish, squeeze, and wait for those right moments to hit you. I personally found it in the great melody lines that enter almost every song. Ruffian Royale have a definite understanding as to how to write that soothing hook. 

There is something about this mix of ska/dub by the band that has me going. It's a lot of fun and the these guys are showing some skillful songwriting. On top of that, it makes you want to move. Every song grows on you quickly and there is, to drive the point home, a great attention to the detail of melody. Hardest of the Hard is available, for free, here and if you are looking to get in a great mood, you should check it out.