Concert Review: Born Ruffians Give MHOW An Indie Jamboree
With three king-sized lamps behind them, Born Ruffians played to those who wanted to be enlightened by them at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Celebrating their most recent album, Uncle Duke and the Chief, the band were high off an energy to show how much they have arisen in life. After 15 years together, these indie-rock guys have matured into gods.
Born Ruffians create their music/ performance from wry humor and analysis over the “unself-awareness” people muster to get through life’s ugliness. In essence, why look at yourself if you do not want to see the world? Yet, their newest songs brought a note of seriousness to their concert that unveiled their grown openness to embrace how darkness and lightness can make you feel. They played songs like, “Ring That Bell”, “Working Together”, “Miss You”, and “Love Too Soon” as if to say, “You can go through feelings without running.” Whether that is running from, towards, or through sentiments was “up for grabs”, but it certainly brought a stilling ease to the night and permission to stay present.
Like Typhoon or Frightened Rabbit, Born Ruffians serve a show that exhilarates and balances you. Yes, you can dance, sing along, and raise your beer in cheer, like everyone did at MHOW. Yet, you can also find songs like, “Forget You”, “Fade To Black”, and “Side-Tracked” that show how people can either mentally or emotionally step away from their life when they feel a surge of happiness or sadness. It is as if emotional extremes kick you out of your own heart to make you see it, of which Luke Lalonde’s voice could make you see God’s heart. He has a gentle rasp, like a quiet radiator, that warms through his vocal notes, but yet he sings his songs like a child that took extra candy bags; jittery, inspired, and happy that his innocent mischief got rewarded. Mitch Derosier, Andy Lloyd, and Steve Hamelin were his gleeful bandmates/ bandits.
I could best describe Born Ruffians show like a thoughtful jamboree between a couple of traveling, folk troubadours. In between their songs the make you square-dance through your issues, you gain a laugh, an encouraging chat, and a fresher approach to days you felt were getting old. Maybe, that is why they had those giant lamps; to help you see how they made your night better (HA!). For More Information On Born Ruffians Click Here. For More Information On Born Ruffians Click Here.
BORN RUFFIANS – Miss You
