EP: Demons Of Ruby Mae ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’

Rating:

The Boy Who Cried Wolf is the debut EP from up-and-coming Leicester two-piece Demons Of Ruby Mae. Jonny Gavin and Adam Rowley have put together five haunting tracks that evoke complex emotional reactions in a subtle, minimalist way. This approach has seen them compared to established acts such as Bon Iver, London Grammar and Doves.

The eponymous opening track howls with despondency; penetrating the skin and commanding the listener’s attention. Gavin and Rowley are both multi-instrumentalists, and their simplistic combination of sounds aligns perfectly with Gavin’s powerful vocals. “In the lion’s den we’ll finally sleep,” he sings – a simultaneously tempting and threatening offer.

‘Beneath The Surface’ is a striking, mesmerising 3.36 minutes of music. This duo are not afraid to exercise patience and let sound develop gradually. Their multi-instrumentalist skills shine again on this track, and the addition of pensive female vocals will keep listeners mesmerised long after it’s ceased playing.

‘You Got It Wrong’ hosts more of Gavin’s distinctive vocals, and the switch from quiet verse to loud chorus makes this song more aggressive compared to the other tracks. ‘Volcanic Mouth’ briefly lightens the EP’s dark tone with its rolling piano and up-beat drums. ‘Summer Night’ closes the compilation, and is a soothing tonic for weary ears. The ambient waves of synths and keyboard evoke the memories of the infiniteness of warm, but melancholy summer nights.

Whilst the title of Demons of Ruby Mae’s EP implies a sinister listening experience – this is completely false. The Boy Who Cried Wolf is full of genuine, atmospheric music that listeners will not have to fake a reaction to. By all means – “Beware the demons that will fill your soul” – but don’t avoid the Demons Of Ruby Mae. Delicate, chilling stuff.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears