The multi-talented Brooklyn artist Dave Ruder doesn’t actually play any instruments on this cassette. Due to the repercussions of Long Covid, he’s unable to do so, but he farmed out each part to some hired help who just happened to be some top notch New York City’s finest.
The frisky drums from Robby Bowen lead “James Worthy,” where the subject matter surrounds a basketball player, with a soulful yet humorous delivery. “Loaf Cakes Are For Surfers” then uses Emily Manzo’s smooth keys and Ruder’s repetitive spoken word, while “Repenting Stranger” incorporates accordion and plucked bass via the vivid storytelling.
The first side exits with “Speaking In Similes” and “Like A Canyon.” The former employs thick bass and playful electronics alongside clever wordplay, and the latter invites Miranda Agnew’s well timed trumpet and Roberta Michel’s dreamy flute into a cozy delivery.
The back half opens with the short “Red Footed Duck,” a harmonic duet with Aliza Simons. “Seltzer To A Bee” follows with Ruder handling the beat-driven and stylish second half highlight.
“Strings Of The King” arrives late and enlists Cory Braken’s animated marimba and Jeff Tobias’ strategic bass clarinet to some really funny lyrics, and “Don’t Touch Me” exits with Gelsey Bell’s expressive voice that suits Ruder’s pipes for the not-too-subtle lyrics and softer mood.
Ruder’s resume is quite impressive. He’s been involved with bands like Varispeed, thingNY, Thee Reps and Florida Lucid Dreaming. This venture under his own name is certainly atypical, and resides somewhere between avant-pop, chamber music and art-rock. Most importantly, though, it will keep you highly entertained from beginning to end in a way that leaves it unclear if Ruder’s vision is one of utmost stupidity or indirect genius. My guess is somewhere in the middle.
