Uncle, Duke and the Chief - Born Ruffians
Back in my hometown, there’s this place called Gunther Toody’s. I’m not sure if there are any here in Kalamazoo, but it’s this cute little 50’s themed joint.
Visiting Gunther Toody’s in the 21st century feels like this album.
Born Ruffians is a Canadian band that started in 2004. Comprised of Mitch Derosier, Steve Hamelin, Luke Lalonde, and Andy Lloyd, Born Ruffians has released four studio albums. Their first album was released in 2006 and the group grew from there. They have appeared on CBC Radio 3, toured Canada and Australia, appeared on Skins, appeared in numerous commercials, and were featured in Nirvana the Band the Show. They have also toured with groups such as Franz Ferdinand, Caribou, Peter Bjorn and John, The Hidden Cameras, and Tokyo Police Club. Additionally, their album Red, Yellow, and Blue was nominated for Pop/Rock Album of the Year during the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards. Their 5th album Uncle, Duke and the Chief is scheduled to be released February 16, 2018.
Uncle, Duke and the Chief is, simply put, beachy. It might be the most feel good album I’ve heard yet. This 9-track album goes back and forth between mellow and upbeat, creating an atmosphere I could definitely be productive to. The album’s bright vocals remind me of groups such as Vampire Weekend, Grouplove, Foxygen, The Shins, and Fox Wilde. Additionally – and I’m not sure if everyone else would agree with me – I get a Frankie Valli 50’s vibe from the album. Maybe it’s the beachy feel, or maybe it’s just me reminiscing being in the car while my mom played his music, but it’s a good feeling nonetheless.
You want to know what I picture when I hear this album? I picture myself on the beach with my friends. It’s night, and the stars are out. It’s a little bit chilly, but we don’t mind; we’re just being college kids, we’ll face the consequences of being out in the cold tomorrow. It feels just like a commercial. I can’t express just how feel good Uncle, Duke and the Chief is.
This is the album for when you don’t feel your best, like maybe the world is against you and you need a pick-me-up. It’s even the album when you feel on top of the world and you just want that confirmation that you’re all-that. Either way, I know that this won’t be the last time I listen to Born Ruffians Uncle, Duke and the Chief.
Track Listings: Forget Me, Miss You, Side Tracked, Fade To Black, Love Too Soon, Spread So Thin, Tricky, Ring That Bell, Working Together
Best Tracks: Miss You, Fade To Black, Tricky, Ring That Bell
