Well, I didn’t expect that Rudebeard…
The latest Rudebeard EP was released at the end of July. The last of their lockdown releases. As I DID expect it is packed with their own signature brand of raucous ska that deserves its place on a live stage so you can have a wild no-holds barred skank. As usual their songs and music are a celebration of life. With a substantial injection of dry humour and their wry observations on life.
First you’ve got Disgrace. the tale of a drunken stoner ne’er-do-well, and stories of drunken escapades. Not the sort “you could take home to meet your parents”. Take a terrace chant of a chorus, classy soaraway keyboards, underlying ska rhythm, and tasty riffing and you get the picture.
Then you’ve got the scarily accurate Are You Ready? A prediction of what the state of affairs would be when the pubs re-opened after COVID 19 lockdown. This is a real party anthem, with some astute observations, humorous quotes of old “there’s gonna be dancing in the streets of Raith” blissed out sax and a wee bass solo for good measure. Magic.
World Keeps Rolling On
Then there is the unexpected. The killer track. The sting in the tail. World Keeps Rolling On. I honestly didn’t expect to listen to Rudebeard with goosebumps, a shiver down my spine and an actual tear in my eye. Yes, lockdown has my emotions all over the place, but this is a genuinely moving track. The hairs on my arms are standing on end just writing this as I listen again. Heartfelt personal and emotional lyrics backed by a beautifully understated backing track. This isn’t all about sadness and loss though, the band then step up to the plate and make it about a celebration of life too. The addition of triumphant trumpets adds some celebratory joy and reminds us to make the most of the time we have with those we love. I am actually sincerely stunned and touched by this one.
Rudebeard – Facebook