After the sleeper success of ‘Perhaps I suppose’, a record which seemed to sell more records every single week as word spread, a new Rufio record was high on my list of new releases at the turn of the year. An EP whetted the apetite, but here is what many of us have been waiting for, the second, and usually ‘difficult’ second record. Except it isn’t difficult at all, infact it’s pretty darn good, exactly what every Rufio fan would have wanted. I’d even go as far as saying that this is one of the best records I’ve had the pleasure of hearing this year.
‘1985’ (for short) isn’t as instantly catchy as its predecessor which may or may not be a good thing. But ‘1985’ is still a great record and when Rufio hit the spot they really ram it home. The lead guitar parts are inventive, Scott’s vocals as catchy and melodic and Mike’s drumming is as hard hitting as ever and when you combine the three, on tracks such as opener ‘Countdown’, you have a very special record. This song is classic Rufio, drums clattering all around with a driving guitar riff, splattered with Clark Domae’s twinkling of the fretboards. ‘White Lights‘ shows that Rufio don’t have to play at 150mph to be at their best and lyrically the song seems to describe the final few seconds before death – hence the lights. Makes a change from the usual, “fell in love with a girl” story which most bands of their ilk peddle.
The hi-octane ‘Science Fiction’ and ‘Why Wait?’ hark back to the Rufio of old we all fell in love with, the former having a catchier than SARS chorus while the latter has the best riff on the whole record. ‘We Exist’ has a wonderfully driving chorus which pushes it through a fair verse, ‘Follow Me’ highlights Scott’s unique vocals and shows a musical maturity that was missing on the earlier material. The basslines play a higher role and things are given the chance to build up, whereas previously it was pedal to the metal from the word go.
Of course this isn’t quite a perfect album and the longest track, ‘Control’, weighing in at a few seconds shy of four minutes is possibly the weakest effort. It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just not Rufio; it’s mid-tempo and although showcases the band’s obvious technical talents, they are far, far better when things are pushed through. Still, it’s bound to go down well in a live setting to break up the pace of the set. ‘Set It Off’ is fast and furious, ‘Decency’ is a drummers wet dream and ‘Pirate’ is just pure fun, the riff in particular is great and it’s sure to be another live fave. ‘Goodbye’ is the shortest track at under two minutes, lulling you into a false sense of security with a slow opening, but once it gets going you’re left gaging for air. ‘Over It‘ closes things with an acoustic set-up which builds up – it’s probably the most mature Rufio effort yet and if this is a glimpse at the future then it’s looking very rosy indeed.
There will definitely be a split as to whether ‘1985’ is as good as ‘Perhaps I Suppose’ as both are great albums. The debut is certainly more instant and possibly has the better songs, but ‘1985’ is a better album as a whole; it’s well rounded, more mature and lyrically better. Nick Rasculinecz’s production also stands out to make things even smoother giving an added class to proceedings and the booket and inlay is really nice too, the drawings are really cool. So if you liked ‘Perhaps I Suppose’ you will like ‘1985’, although it may take a few more listens. If you’ve never heard Rufio and like all things pop-punk, give them a whirl. I for one will see you at the front when they tour in September…
www.rufiomusic.com
Paul