Born Ruffians frontman Luke Lalonde’s solo album “Rhythymnals” is, like, really deep, man. No seriously, this is some philosophical ish you guys. I guess it’s only to be expected when a frontman goes lone ranger that the content of the album will try to convey a sense of something deeper, in order to separate it from his band’s material. (Remember how Julian Casablancas’ solo album Phrazes For the Young tried to reconcile his past experiences and make it universal?) “Rhythymnals” definitely plays around with some humanistic questions and ideas. The first of which (and I may well be pulling this out of my ass) being if people experience music the same and why it is that we make the interpretations that we do. At first it grapples that oh so human sentiment of life’s fleeting nature. As it moves along, it tells slice of life stories about gender confusion (Inamorataos), relationships, self-harm and general human struggle. See what I mean? Heavy stuff.

But hey, maybe Lalonde’s whole purpose with this album was to see how turds like me would try to manipulate it into meaning something. As for its sound, it’s got that irreplaceable Lalonde quirk and charm. There’s definitely some of the same folkish vibes as Born Ruffians but it actually reminds me a lot POP ETC’s more recent stuff. With or without it’s humanistic edge, the album is definitely catchy and fresh. It’s getting me all excited for Born Ruffians’ next album.

Stream Rhythymnals in full RIGHT HERE. Do it. I’m serious.

Free Candy

Born Ruffians – Sole Brother
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/LUKE%20LALONDE/03%20Sole%20Brother.mp3]
Born Ruffians – Badonkadonkey
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/LUKE%20LALONDE/06%20Badonkadonkey.mp3]