Coup De Tete & Get The Fuck Outta Dodge Team Up On “Dodge Coup II” EP
Socks On Records label mates Coup De Tete and Get The Fuck Outta Dodge have teamed up once more to…
Rude Awakening - Self Released
Rum Lad, the enigmatic singer and songwriter, has captured the attention of music fans with his unique blend of raw honesty and infectious songwriting. In a genre often saturated with nostalgia, Rum Lad stands out as a refreshing breath of authenticity, unapologetically embracing his distinct sound and lyrical prowess and this is evident in the latest album ‘Rude Awakening‘ that follows hot on the heels of the short lived Rum Lads album ‘Noise Terrorists’ that was released earlier this year.
Now a two piece with the addition of former Rum Lads drummer James ‘Finny’ Finlayson ‘Rude Awakening‘ is a punk/indie classic but a record that shows there’s much more to Richie Rum Lad than the loud, in your face vocals he portrays in many of his songs. The addition of Finny has really helped beef up what was already a strong set of songs.
One of the most striking aspects of Rum Lad‘s music is his ability to delve into deeply personal and relatable themes. His introspective lyrics offer a glimpse into his innermost thoughts and experiences, inviting listeners to connect on a profound level. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of relationships, the rich versus the poor or exploring the depths of human hypocrisy, Rum Lad‘s words are not only heartfelt they resonate with the listener.
Rude Awakening sees the duo come out fighting with one of my faves from the album ironically titled ‘UK Violence‘ a foot-stomping, energetic anthem of a song, before we are into ‘The Truth‘ a much deeper and darker song that explores the lies of those who are in power. ‘Graft‘ is up next, a song exploring the life choices you make when skint, either graft or scrounge for your living. You can really hear Finny in his element on this song delivering an almost military drum pattern throughout that works so well, he’s a fantastic freestyle drummer who is unleashed on this album.
The Tale of Alan Taylor (could well be Blur at their best) and Rude Awakening are songs with infectious melodies and catchy hooks and are a testament to Richie’s skill as a songwriter and his experience in this business. ‘White Noise‘ tackles the subject of depression and its impact on your mind when you can’t see a way out of those life struggles. Tackling mental health and the impact it has is a subject very dear to Rum Lad as you’ll hear in a number of the songs on his previous five (yes, five) albums) to date.
Your Opinions Mean Shit to Me is a song that we can all relate to especially those of us who frequent social media. Another catchy ear worm of a song it is too. Malcolm Bighead is a track that I’ll leave you to interpret for yourselves but it’s very strong in its condemnation of bullying and as for Office Boy, well I have it on good authority it’s not about me LOL.
Rum Lad‘s vocals are brash yet equally captivating, with a raw and emotive quality that adds an extra layer of depth to his compositions. His voice carries the weight of his experiences, effortlessly conveying the vulnerability and passion embedded within his lyrics. It’s this genuine delivery that allows his music to transcend the boundaries of genre and captivate the listeners from all walks of life. and none more so than the final track on this terrific album, ‘Bad Things‘ which explores the fragility of ones mind when you feel you just need to run away and hide.
Rum Lad is an artist who brings a much-needed dose of authenticity and vulnerability to the music scene without the showbiz bullshit that often comes with similar artists of this nature (No names mentioned). What you see and hear is what you get with his introspective lyrics, captivating melodies, and genuine performances, he has carved out a niche that is entirely his own.
His talent and potential are undeniable. Rum Lad is undoubtedly an artist to watch and the addition of James on drums is long overdue (I’m rarely wrong) and their musical journey is one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes the time to listen.
You can listen to Rude Awakening on all digital platforms or order a copy from Rum Lad and why not come and see the album tracks and those from their next album (Yes the 7th is in progress as I type) performed live at Crapfest (17:10 in EBGB‘s Liverpool on Saturday the 22nd of July) then in the Casbah stage at Blackpool’s Rebellion Festival (Friday the 4th of August at 14:10).
Live photography courtesy of Shot From Both Sides.