Give It Away is a passionate alternative-pop track, the first off of Philadelphia band Rugby Road’s latest, Rugby Road III. Of particular note here has to be the extended progressive-infused interlude, providing a nice boost to the single’s momentum. The vocals and drums link together to make for something that could easily be replayed; fans will be on the edges of their seats as the band moves into Back To You. Back To You soars based on the gritty vocals that are the single’s hallmark, but also through the swirling eddies of fuzzy guitars and punchy drums. Hints of Goo Goo Dolls and Archers of Loaf can be heard here. The driving beat of the instrumentation on Back To You further keeps listeners focused in as Rugby Road moves into the second half of III.
Spoken For keeps things fresh with the band taking on a more bluesy, soulful sound. There is a bit of traditional country & western that is interlaced here. The band’s instrumentation stays strong here; listeners will need to play the song multiple times before hearing everything that Rugby Road has laid down here. Bits of the Black Crowes and Jane’s Addiction can be heard during Spoken For
Nobody (Needs To Know) is the final track on III, and it has the band come up with some intense arrangements. The bass is given a focal point here, adding a bit of funk into the mix. The song links together Peter Gabriel and Dave Matthews with all of the taut arrangements of a Dire Straits or early-1980s Van Halen. There is so much charisma that is placed through III, and I feel that one that plays the release from its beginning to end will be able to learn a tremendous amount about this unique band.
Top Tracks: Give It Away, Nobody (Needs To Know)
Rugby Road – Rugby Road III EP Review / 2017 Self Released / 4 Tracks / http://rugbyroadband.com/ /