RUWA – Science Fiction

Science Fiction is often defined as stories about how people and societies are affected by imaginary scientific developments in the future, but with Science Fiction the latest release from RUWA, the defintion of Science Fiction takes on a whole new meaning. RUWA is named after a place in Zimbabwe, Africa where the largest mass citing of UFO took place and where RUWA finds its inspiration.

RUWA, is a one man show fronted by singer and scientist Adam Rokhsar. Rokhsar considers himself first a visual artist and psycholologist and creating his music is more of a means to an end in expressing that. Rokshar creates his signature sound by blending a combination of homemade software, tape machines and stories he experienced about the complexity of human emotions and how they are depicted and expressed through different phases of life. The sound that ulimately illuminates and is a continuing theme throughout the album is a mix of experimental techno and dance music that is highlighted by jagged edges of electronica meets 90′s house music but Rokshar seems to be trying to cover all his bases by interjecting spurts of R&B and Pop for overall mainstream appeal. Rokhsar’s creative freedom enables him not to approach his work from one perspective or another and it seems like the same applies to his listeners.

“When You Cry”, has a somber, haunting and ethereal beginning, then suddenly without warning seems to morph into something out of the 80′s with the sexy swagger of artists like Prince and Robin Thicke and sprinkles of electronica and synthesization it would be great in the club. On the other hand, ”Please Come Over” gives another take on 80′s classics with pop rock.

“Please Come Over” is a mixture of R&B and soul with a fast, sexy beat. Rokshar’s voice has a haunting,raspy feel to it. It is here and with the rest of the album that Rokshar begins with long solos and instrumentals, at times there seems to be more music than vocals and he relies more on the beat and pulse of the music to carry the song through. However, the song is catchy and there are remnants of Peter Gabriel’s early works.

In the end, it seems like Rokshar achieves his goal with RUWA and Science Fiction, he makes the invisible, visible.   He lets  his listeners create their own images of the music;  what it is, how they see it, feel it and hear it and create stories of their own which is what music is all about.

3 / 5 bars

Be sure to check out RUWA’s bandcamp, Facebook, and tubmlr.