releases

RUBIES - Explode from the Center

Danceable folk, bedroom disco, gentle funk, and lost love laments; these are just a few facets of Rubies. Signed to Tellé Records (Royksopp, Datarock, Annie, Kings of Convenience), their dynamic sound ranges from huge, synth-led dance-floor fillers, to more intimate pop moments. The cosmopolitan sound of Rubies is fast finding fans everywhere from avant-garde discotheques in NYC, motorikk infused warehouse parties in San Francisco and Stockholm, and many a late night afterparty everywhere from Big Sur to Bergen, Norway.

Whether it’s Feist, Peter, Bjorn & John or Kings of Convenience guesting on your album, or having long-tem friend Devendra Banhart sing harmonies at your home-town gigs, it’s fair to say Californian two-piece Rubies are well connected ladies.

Explode from the Center – the band’s debut - is an album of perfectly formed pop songs, born out of minimal percussion, beautiful arrangements and heartfelt lyrics. From the electro tinged warmth of tracks I Feel Electric, Stand in a Line and Diamonds on Fire, Rubies sound like some celestial amalgamation of Fleetwood Mac, Feist, Dusty Springfield, and Cat Power.  The album’s quieter, more introverted moments are no less arresting. The fragile beauty of both The Truth and the Lies and Silver Mornings could be taken off The Virgin Suicides soundtrack, whilst the Love Unlimited style strings on Signs of Love exude sepia tinged heartbreak.

For both of the singles, they have teamed up with some great artists for remixes. The B-side to their first single “I Feel Electric”, is Gothenburg’s “Studio” (KYLIE MINOGUE, SHOUT OUT LOUDS) for an incredibly beautiful remix of “Room Without a Key.” Kraut-Disco band, “Trans Am” put together a minimal basement dance remix for “I Feel Electric” on the second single, “Stand in a Line” along with a dancefloor odyssey remix by Tokyo’s DJ superstar, Shinichi Osawa.

After playing together for 7 years, the melody-driven, infectious pop of Rubies is a continuation of the chemistry they found in their first band, Call and Response. Their newest addition, Nicolas Dobbratz, has played guitar since he was 8 years old, learning from old motown and dub records, he is also the lead player in the electro-R&B band from San Francisco, “Sugar and Gold.” Live, it is Simone Rubi (Lead Vocals, Synthesizer, Electric Piano), Terri Loewenthal (Bass, Vocals), Nicolas Dobbratz (Guitar, Vocals), and Øyvind Skarbø (Drums) who recreate the album´s genius.
Songs from their debut album ‘Explode from the Center’ have already started to make an impression worldwide with the unique mix of lost love songs, considered disco, and electro-tinged pop.  And who could possibly deny the remarkable talent of these ladies?  Simone Rubi also did the artwork for Feist’s album THE REMINDER.  In recent live performances they have also been joined onstage by ERLEND OYE.

EXPLODE FROM THE CENTRE is simply a must have album from possibly the best new girl band in eons.  Just get it!

RUBIES - Explode from the Center is available through Telle Music and distributed by Creative Vibes

Copyright © 2005 Creative Vibes All rights reserved