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This four song E.P. is a very strong introduction to England’s Ruen Brothers, Rupert and Henry Stanshall.  Shades of Scott Walker, Roy Orbison and spaghetti-western twang permeate these songs with no sense of contrivance; rather, these are well-crafted songs with a classic feel in a modern setting.  Dramatic, sometimes over-the-top but not irritating – and filled with melody and catchiness.

Of the four songs, “Motor City” kicks hardest with a mid-’60’s kind of grooviness; heavily bass driven and crisp guitars along with bold arrangements.  “Vendetta” has a Box Tops kind of feel (!) with punch; “Summer Sun” screams Gene Pitney in a powerful, now sense with a tremendous chorus and “White Lies” has a lot of texture and is (arguably) the most radio friendly of the tracks.

All in all, a very solid, coherent premiere from this duo.  Also interesting, as they’re British, but sound very American, which I can appreciate.  Good start for the Ruen Brothers.

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http://www.ruenbrothers.com/

EP Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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