Russ Rankin – Come Together Fall Apart

Let’s start by just saying Good Riddance, now you should know where we at at with Russ Rankin, if not then you’re obviously new to punk, you should 100% go check them out, this will inform you as to Russ’s musical and social standing.  With one other solo album in the bag, in the form of Farewell Catalonia which arrived back in 2012, ten years on and we get to witness a wiser and possibly much more mature song writing side to Russ.

Out on 28th January via SBÄM Records, Come Together Fall Apart can be laid down as a body of work that takes a look at the problems that dog this planet with a breadth of  social awareness and historical knowledge, this all held together by a musical wonder of sympathetic yet edgy insights.

With no time wasted ‘All Our Lives’ hits straight at the heart of capitalisms failings, the price of lives seen through eyes of power, the jealousy that is created when the many only look upon a life they will never have.  As with all the songs within this album, the soundscape is simplistic yet played in such a way that the soul/power of each song is inlayed with such depth that its hard not to be affected, ‘Fractured Legacy’ with its stunning solo electric guitar licks, shows this in abundance, ‘Babel’ uses an uplifting sound to convey hope using stories from legend of the break up of humanity, coming together is not a lost cause, god is merely the architect of division.  ‘Statutes Of Kilkenny’ springs a haunting Celtic flute upon the ears, fitting indeed for a tale of medieval oppression at its best/worst.

No stone is left unturned within this album, so many historical references that are perfectly translated into modern day issues, stories that come to life amid sympathetically written musical overcoats, every melody, riff and mood has been well thought out, they give the songs life and soul.  Talking of soul, its very apparent that Russ has given us not only the angst of living in these times, but he also bares his all to the listener, ‘Last Conversation’ moves you to that uncomfortable place where mortality can leave us with difficult and at the same time loving memories.

Finally as a lift, ending with the track ‘You Woke My Neighbourhood’ that has a Ferocious Dog feel complete with fiddle, a pick me up song to end a very intense album.  

I’d put Russ’s solo career at the very top of a hefty pile of solo artists, not sure if you could get a song writer who can somehow bring history into the modern age, speak of love and loss, then stitch this all together with music that speaks to you. Like Russ Rankin

Thought provoking, visceral and truthful music that throws you a rope to climb, more than just sing-a-long, yet you will definitely sing!

Out on January 28th, go buy a copy HERE

Connect with Russ on his FACEBOOK