By TJ Hayes
Mat Kerekes, best known as the vocalist of alt-rock band Citizen, drops his new solo album, Ruby, on April 19th via Elektra Music Group sub label Black Cement Records. Ruby has a much different sound than what fans are used to hearing on a Citizen album. Incorporating a mix of both pop and alternative elements with massive choruses and infectious melodies, Kerekes really gets a chance to show off his versatility as a songwriter on this album while also showing a different and softer side to himself. This album sees him transcend the lo-fi, acoustic-based recording style of previous releases in favor of a sharper pop edge that offers a modern take on timeless rock sonics.
Completely recorded and produced by Kerekes himself, Ruby incorporates multiple styles of songs that range from more upbeat summer anthems to slower jams. The album starts off with the title track “Ruby’” for which they also released a music video for. This track really fits perfectly as the opening song, giving fans the first taste of Kerekes’ quality songwriting abilities that are weaved throughout the release. He also put out a music video for the third track on the album, “Diamonds”. “Diamonds” has a much different sound to “Ruby”.”Ruby” has a more chill summertime sitting by the fire vibe, whereas “Diamonds” starts off slower and then comes in with an upbeat pop sound.
The stand out track on the whole album has to be the final song entitled “An Ode”. With a more unique feeling than what is presented on the rest of the album, it is a mixture of the tracks, presenting an upbeat poppy sound with a chill acoustic flair added in. Closing the track with a stripped down ballad like sound, “An Ode” really is the whole package, tying all of Ruby together. Overall, the thought and time Kerekes put into this album is evident, each song showcasing his abilities to create beautifully composed and written songs that will no doubt surprise both fans of Citizen and his first release, Luna & the Wild Blue Everything, after the first listen.
The album is available for pre-order here.
