Born Ruffians’ sound is catchy, soul-stirring and fresh. Considering they formed 11 years ago, their melodies are upbeat and modern. Their latest album, Birthmarks, is a collection of musings from time spent together in a rural Ontario farmhouse. The inspiration for the album’s name? A shared birthmark between lead singer Luke and his girlfriend.
A small group of us headed out into September’s wind and rain with high hopes. Stopping off for a quick bite to eat at Common, we arrived after the support band ‘Moon Kingdom’ had finished their set. Looking around, we were struck by the youthfulness of the crowd. Then it clicked, Freshers’ Week. Having a good ten years on these whipper snappers, this was a gig that we definitely preferred to spend standing out of the front row glare. Nevertheless, the snap happy side of me refused to resign the evening to just a memory.
Before long, we were toe-tapping, swaying and joining in the fun. You see, their sound is so infectious you just can’t help be carried along, despite our whinging that we were too old to be out on a school night. It feels like it’s been such a long time since I went to a gig, in fact I can’t remember the last one I went to. Does Kendal Calling count?
Will you like Born Ruffians? Yes. Try before you buy? Find the official video to ‘Needle’, taken from Birthmarks, on YouTube.