Review:

on 2009-04-11 ellesandra Said:

Refreshing, novel, and captivating are the three most fitting words to describe the 2008 release of "Red, Yellow, and Blue" by the Born Ruffians. Like the album title itself, the combination of these three things can get you anything, and everything. When combined, you end up with a fun, catchy, and if nothing else melodic EP. The album has an odd sense of immaturity that resounds throughout it's entirety, and this is said in the best way possible. The giddy, ecstatic, and overzealous shouts given off by Luke LaLonde are what make the album what it is. Commonly as a general rule, it seems lyrics adhere to the music surrounding them, however this is not the case for "Red, Yellow, and Blue". The band has found a very clever way of making the music react to the vocals, which is a very rare find.

Although the vocals do definitely control the songs, the music has it's own appeal, as well. The album has more highs than lows, and more noise than expected from a trio. Overwhelming at first, this soon turns into the norm. Bassist Mitch DeRosier and drummer Steve Hamelin follow and accent LaLonde's lead in almost obtrusive ways, but manage to not let themselves become a nuisance and steal the spotlight. The album in and of itself is a series of actions, and reactions.

Lyrical content is refreshing in the sense that although many of the subjects are mature, the innocence is still retained vocally. "Badonka Donkey", one of the album's most notable tracks explores the subjects of financial stability/instability, and love. Taking care of the family, and settling down are confronted in "Hedonistic Me". In essence, you get the feeling that you've caught LaLonde at an awkward phase between a boy, and man.

Overall, the album is filled with character, and listeners are left with no choice but to love the music. It's captured life at it's best - the fun of childhood and early adolescence, and the importance of love throughout life's duration. There is something for everybody to identify with, and even if it isn't found in the lyrics, the music is so sporadic and out there, that one can't help but get caught up in it. "Red, Yellow, and Blue" is a justifiable title for the album, as after a through listen, it's positively found the best combinations of the most essential elements - lyrics, vocals, and instrumentals.
Rating: 9/10