Red Cloud - The Ruby Armada Volume I & II

 

 

Red Cloud - The Ruby Armada Volume I & II
Self released – 2022
Rock, Alternative, Grunge, Stoner
Rated: *** / ****

The bands life started in 2011… “Their name an homage to the Lakota Chief Red Cloud, the band explores our relationship to nature, one another, and ourselves. With one eye on history and the other looking forward to the future, song lyrics delight in introspective travel, rally for freedom from personal enslavement, and take us on incredible Jules Verne-inspired journeys into the heart of the Earth…” Their opening statement, and they had me at Chief Red Cloud but also mentioning Jules Verne got me insanely excited and giddy like a little school girl... And it took me back to when we enjoyed their 2016 Ursa Minor release... The band released The Ruby Armada Volume I in April and are about to Volume II. Both feature five tracks, both move definitely the way of the grunge and the alternative rock and uses some stoner influences. Post grunge as some would say. And Volume I stays in that region altogether, using those starting points to create pop sensible songs that tell their stories but even have those chorus moments that envelop you and have you singing along. The new about to be released Ruby Arma Volume II opts for a bigger approach. Going for a wider, more theatrical almost progressive structuring at times. Opener No Left Turn and follow-up Journey To The Center Of The Earth are both examples, that offer up true song novellas, letting the vocals do as much of the talking as the guitar, the rhythms, the changes and the inspiring energy. Often feeling like you are climbing a mountain together; which feels majestic and timeless… And the view on top is always breathtaking…  

(Written by JK)

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