We don’t get too many pitches on artists from Arkansas, USA. But after hearing the trio, ruark, we’re wondering why that’s so. “By My Side” is a really heartfelt piece of indie folk. At times, it feels a bit discombobulated, not unlike something you might hear from Big Thief or Buck Meek’s solo stuff. It’s not the easiest listen. It challenges the ears. But the payoff is worth it. Bob Dylan must be proud.
On Waiting on a Breeze, Ruark’s second album, the singer and guitarist is joined by his home grown band: his wife, Alexa Joyce, on bass and backing vocals and Alexa’s brother, Joseph Bethany, on drums and backing vocals. The album was recorded in the band’s home studio, using basic equipment, but the music’s wide open sound is crisp and full. The arrangements combine elements of folk, rock, hard rock, country, Latin and classic pop. “We’re a hard rock, in a weird acoustic way,” Ruark says, “but we call it folk rock, because of all the influences we bring into the music.”
Waiting on a Breeze flows smoothly, the arrangements carrying you along on a journey through life’s ups and downs. Ruark produced the album, with the band’s input, slowly layering up the sounds to achieve the effect of a live band. He played all the lead and rhythm parts on his Gibson LG1 acoustic, using various pedals and effects to push the sound into the territory of an electric guitar.
“By My Side” is a breakup song, based on a poem written by Alexa, with Ruark dipping into his lower range to deliver lyrics recalling happier times. The song alternates between gentle fingerpicking, on verses describing the memories that make parting so poignant, and choruses with the band rocking out as Ruark delivers a plea for reconciliation.
“By My Side” is the penultimate track on Ruark’s new LP, Waiting On A Breeze. The album, the band’s second, was released this past Friday, the 19th.
