Search - Ruby :: Short-Staffed at the Gene Pool

I Shouldn't Dwell on the Past, But This is a Disappointment

doomsdayer520 | Pennsylvania | 11/07/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Back in 1996 I was completely bowled over by Ruby's **Salt Peter** album. The combination of industrial beats and effects with the punk/metal guitars was a wild new sound, and Leslie Rankine was a heart-stopping singer. Her wide range of nuances, from a sly purr to an angry growl, was enough to make a guy curl up in a fetal position, while her intelligent and sharp-edged lyrics really got under your skin and demanded that you listen. I thought Ruby had dropped off the face of the Earth, but was very excited when this new album appeared. I know that five years have passed, so it's natural for Ruby and Leslie to want to move on, and nobody should expect this album to sound just like the old one. Unfortunately, no progress has taken place during the five-year wait. Instead, this album shows Ruby digressing from a distinct and intriguing artist to a completely run-of-the mill and unfocused trip-hop crooner. Leslie's vocals are not even close to the strength and maturity she showed on Salt Peter. Here, except for some quirks like "Lilypad," Leslie is barely even singing, but is mostly chanting or mumbling under her breath. The authority and maturity in her voice, which were so distinct on the last album, are nowhere to be found. And the music has lost just about all of its uniqueness as well. Here Ruby is trying to be nothing more than a second-rate Tricky or Bjork, with very tired ambient or light techno dirges that just go in one ear and out the other.If Leslie Rankine and Ruby disappear for another five years, I hope the next wait turns out to be worth it. The wait from 1996 to 2001 wasn't. (Note - I don't know why the Amazon listing says that this is an EP. It's a full length album.)"

Classic and brilliant!

P. Iannelli | MICHIGAN | 09/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With Ruby's first album "Salt Peter", I knew the woman had some talent with her amazingly erotic vampy growl, and TripHopesque industrialized factory beats. Yet, there was something lacking. On this record the lyrics are just as fierce, but her vocal sound is deeper, and almost jazzier. She still has a rough edge , but the music is actually melodic , and more danceable. She also includes more live instrumentation such as horns and string arrangements, which add the PERFECT touch to this allready flawless electronic composition. I truely believe this is one of the most perfectly crafted recordings ever, and look forward to future releases."

Different but still great stuff

Robert Nekic | Cleveland, OH USA | 05/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those familiar with her past CD - Salt Peter, this disc will come as a bit of a surprise. Her distinctive vocals have been replaced with a softer, and in some spots, almost spoken vocal. Only on Waterside do you catch a glimpse of what once was (and even then only in the chorus).And while there are still a handful of grudgy, dark beats to be found (especially the first track), this CD is musically much different and much lighter than Salt Peter. There is a lot of distinct jazz and even drum & bass influences going on here, folks. True, it's some pretty funky, weird jazz and drum & bass, but it's there none the less. If someone had sat me down blindfolded and played this disc for me, I might never have guessed who it was. So, I suppose those expecting Salt Peter 2 might be disappointed. BUT, don't let this scare you away from what is still a very cool CD."