Skyline Heartbeat is the solo project from Kevin Ruby. Ruby writes, records, performs and produces the music. His album Coming of Age is unequivocally a rock album but it gets a little bit of squirrel-y after that. You can hear tinges of everything from bands like The Cars to Greenday.
Coming of Age is a no frills album. Ruby keeps it simple utilizing guitar, bass, drums and vocals. The other content on the album is crunch. After an intro that doesn't sound particularly connected to much on the album he starts to rock with “High School Hero.” The chord progressions sound similar to Green Day in a number of ways. I wonder if when he sings the lyrics “basket case” it was a tip of the hat to the band. Up next is “Friend Zoned.” Can you guess what the song is about?. There is a tinge of ’8’s rock ballads on this song. You can hear tinges of bands from Boston to The Cars.. “Run Away” is one of the highlights. I especially thought the verse was inventive and the hook was also quite catchy. “Growing Up” has a tinge of blues rock while “Realized” features some solid lead work. As the album progresses there are a couple of songs that stuck out to me. “Face to Face” makes rare use of a synth. I was digging the second half of the song which has a great grove. After another straightforward rocker entitled “She’s Got That Sting” he ends with “A Story of Freedom” which is a light funky, upbeat rock song. Coming of Age is a slightly scattered effort where Ruby wears in influences on his sleeves. The songwriting is solid throughout and Ruby also excels with his delivery. I would like to see a little more of his own essence emerge on his future effort. With that there are notable songs on the album that you should check out.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
April 2024
|