English progressive rock quartet Ruby Dawn go in at the deep end on their new album Blood on Water, conjuring up dark images inspired by literature (Alice Come Home, Run Rabbit), the sad state of the environment (This Garden), and conflicts, both personal and between people (Social Disaster).
While this may sound a bit heavy-handed, the band offers some solace by wrapping their messages in lush arrangments. Guitarist Dave Salesbury is carrying around a huge bag of licks and solos, handing them out with a confidence that is both bold and gentle. Keyboardist and singer Carola Baer can whisper, but also highjack the spotlights with a bluesy growl to rip apart the tapestry of sounds.
Add the fluid bass lines of Ian Turner and the tight but loose fills of drummer Adam Perry to the mix and you have a collection of songs that will be embraced by fans of Porcupine Tree and Marillion, had those bands opted for a singer who can channel Kim Karnes and Stevie Nicks.
Ruby Dawn:
Carola Baer: vocals, keyboards
Dave Salsbury: lead guitar
Ian Turner: bass
Adam Perry: drums
Blood on Water is a self-released album. Buy it from their website.
Tracks:- Juliet
- Arms of Love
- Alice Come Home
- Blood on Water
- Social Disaster
- Easy Feels
- Chronicles of a Celestial Soul
- Maker of Me
- Run Rabbit
- Nothing Left to Say
- This Garden
- 11/24 Danfest @ The Musician, Leicester
- 06/08 Soundle Music Festival, Oundle