Ruby Dawn is a new British band that has already been creating waves with passionate songs and compelling live shows. At its heart is Carola Baer, the band's founder, singer, keyboard player and composer, who brings her world, environmental and spiritual insights to the 11 songs, which are full of emotion, light and shade. This is the band's second album in as many years, comprising recent songs and ones that Baer first wrote and recorded when she was living in California. Baer's biggest strength is developing a song into a full-blooded epic, best shown on opener Juliet which explodes into a hard rocker, Dave Salsbury's guitar solo injecting more expression and drama. Arms Of Love provides a gentler aspect, Baer using the spoken word to deliver its poignant message of humanity. Not for the first time is there a distinct Pink Floyd air to the melody. A metronomic bass line from Ian Turner, who is also the band's producer and drummer Adam Perry gives Alice Come Home a sedate feel even though there is emotion bubbling under its surface. The title track sees Salsbury unleashing David Gilmour-like licks while Baer again sets the emotional dial to eleven with her impassioned, soulful vocals over a gorgeous melody line. A stabbing synth line starts Social Disaster, which includes a fascinating lyrical narrative as well as a driving rhythm and another sublime guitar solo from Salsbury. That soulful vibe returns in Easy Feels which is more of a ballad during which Baer's in peak passionate mode matched only by Salsbury's resonant guitar. Levels of musical intensity continue in Chronicles Of A Celestial Soul, that again provides the perfect vehicle for Baer's yearning voice, Salsbury again reaching new heights on his solo. Maker Of Me is the shortest track with strings effects in the musical mix while Run Rabbit Run dials down the tempo but still has Salsbury delivering more guitar magic. There's desolation and sadness writ large across Nothing Left To Say while This Garden, one that Baer wrote while she was in the USA, brings the album to a beautifully heart-felt conclusion. Exquisitely produced by Turner, the entire album has a visceral authenticity, crowned by Baer's extraordinary voice that never fails to move the soul. **** Alison Reijman Where to buy? |
