Last month, retro-modern genre-defying duo Ruen Brothers released their sophomore album, ULTRAMODERN, and “ultramodern” couldn’t be a more perfect way to title it. It reminds me of the 50s and its obsession with the future, and that’s exactly how it listens. Ruen Brothers have mastered modernizing the past, but this record accomplishes that in such a unique way from their previous releases.
Each track is perfectly placed and every instrument and vocal track is expertly combined to create a remarkable production. It’s a cinematic experience, and that makes perfect sense; Ruen Brothers have been known to dabble in film scores. It is truly a phenomenal record from front to back, and I think it’s one of the best releases to come out of 2021. Go turn it on and follow along as I take you track-by-track.
“The Storm in You”:
This is a perfect album opener; it eases you in. It doesn’t immediately open the record guns-a-blazin – it starts off mellow and builds up to its big, cinematic moments, which I love. Sonically, the song itself resembles a storm - the chorus is heavy in all the best ways, mimicking the brunt of the storm. The verses carry on with that theme, verse one functioning as the build-up and verse two as the eye, with the outro as the aftermath.
And of course Henry’s voice shines immediately, showing off just a taste of his range, I feel his lower register shines especially here. This track reels you in, grabbing your attention and fully immersing you into the world of ULTRAMODERN.
“San Diego Nights”:
One thing about this song that I’ll never stop talking about is how it opens with the sound of rain, continuing the story from the previous track and making an already beautiful intro that much more so. I find this track to be incredibly addicting, laden with haunting chord progressions and chillingly beautiful harmonies (perhaps the two easiest ways for musicians to win my heart). This is definitely a competitor for my favorite song off the record – I can’t get this one off of repeat.
“Up in California”:
Ruen Brothers make what I would consider their surf rock debut with this one, it feels like the Beach Boys meets The Ventures meets The Rivieras, but sent to the 2020s; a 60s surf rock banger sent through a time machine if you will. It evokes those sweet, hot summer months, it’s fun, it’s undeniably catchy – how could you ask for more?
“Flying Cars”:
“Flying Cars” feels so different from anything Ruen Brothers have done before, and even a bit different from everything else on the record, but it still feels like it fits in. The verses remind me of that classic early 2010s pop/rock sound, but if they were being produced in the 50s. The concept of flying cars is so fitting with their vibe, and despite the modernity of this one sonically, it too feels like a classic Ruen Brothers throwback jam. I think this track surprised me the most, but in the best way – I find myself continuously going back to this one.
“Cookies & Cream”:
I am fascinated by the placement of this track – it gives ULTRAMODERN a concept album feel. “Flying Cars” ends with the phrase “be with me,” and this track opens with that exact same line. That couldn’t have been coincidence, I’m convinced, and I can’t get over how clever that is.
No track better explores the decade-defying range of Ruen Brothers than this one - I swear this track takes you through 3 different genres in a 3-minute package. I get 60s surf rock, 80s synth pop, and modern-day rock – a combination I never knew I needed. This is by far one of my favorite tracks Ruen Brothers have ever released. It’s too catchy for its own good.
“Saving Me, Saving You”:
If you told me you’d never heard of Ruen Brothers, this is the track I’d play to introduce you to their sound. Henry’s vocals are at the forefront here with no room for mistake (don’t worry, he doesn’t make any), Rupert’s guitar work is phenomenal as always, and the overall sound of this track is hypnotizing.
In terms of production, I think Ruen Brothers shine especially on this track. The overall sound is so crystal clear and everything is placed so brilliantly. Sonically, I’m obsessed with how all the pieces came together with this one.
“Alone”:
In the midst of a fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll record, we find a heartbreaking ballad that shifts the overall vibe of the record to give the listener a devastating cool down. Accompanied by a simple guitar for the majority of its 3 minutes, with a piano and percussion climax in its final 45 seconds, Henry’s vocals shine here more than on any other track – his lower register reminds me of Orville Peck on this track so much, and I love it, but his higher register is Henry Stansall in his purest form.
The way he delivers every line feels so authentic and devastating – it’s like you’re living through this heartbreak yourself. It’s simple, but the song demands it, and the simplicity of the first two minutes only makes the big moment toward the end that much more impactful.
“A Million Things”:
To bring the mood back up after that heartbreaking ballad, “A Million Things” busts in strong, catchy, and addicting as anything. The bridge into Rupert’s solo back into the chorus is by far my favorite part of the song. One of my favorite things about Ruen Brothers is their unique use of chords – their songs are always interesting and addicting, and this song is no exception. And of course, Rupert can truly do no wrong with his guitar in hand.
“Takin’ It Easy”:
This might be the most fun track on the album; it has to be listened to loud – it’s the only way. There’s some spoken-word incorporated in the pre-chorus that reminds me of a robot – keeping in line with the “ultramodern” theme. I’d smoke this song if I could; it’s fast, it’s catchy, it’ll get stuck in your head for hours on end, and I promise you won’t be mad about it.
“Takin’ It Easy (Ru Demo Take)”:
To a listener without prior knowledge of the record, Ruen Brothers made what appears to be an interesting decision in their track listing with this one – it’s the same song again. But…it’s not, at the same time? This version of “Takin’ It Easy” feels so different from the final product version that it’s almost like listening to 2 different songs. With this demo track, we see how similar these two brothers sound, and we get a completely different taste of this catchy little track.
It’s fun to hear them back to back and pick up on all the little ways the song changed from demo to final product, and it’s so exciting getting to hear from Rupert – I can only hope his vocals will start making more of a front-and-center appearance on future Ruen Brothers releases.
“Topanga Canyon”:
What a way to end a record. A truly magical song. This is by far one of my top 5 favorite Ruen Brothers songs, and it just might be my favorite off of this record. There’s strings on it, what more can I say? There’s nothing more beautiful than a track with strings. The chorus has a haunting quality to it that resolves so beautifully, and there’s a twinkle sound that brings an element of sonic magic to the track. It makes me feel nostalgic for the real Topanga Canyon, and I’ve never been there.
I said this record feels very cinematic, and this track here is one of the most cinematic on the record – I can imagine so many visual elements to go along with this, and I can only hope that one day this song finds its rightful place in a film. I think this one will be one of my all-time favorites for life, and I don’t think Ruen Brothers could have ended this record more perfectly than with this one.
ULTRAMODERN is a sonic journey, and it’s one of my favorite releases to come out of 2021. If where retro meets modern is where you find yourself, this is a record you absolutely cannot miss. Go stream this thing and let Ruen Brothers take you on an adventure through music’s greatest decades.
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