One can’t fully appreciate Sound of Ruby until absorbing some facts first – these guys are from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, founding their band in the 1990s, when the rock and metal music has been illegal (if I am not mistaken, the Saudi ruler allowed bands to play metal music in 2006 or 2007) and they are the oldest Saudi rock/metal band. Actually more of the punk/alternative variety, but that’s beside the point.
The compilation of songs with the title „Early Years 1996-2005“ has been released in 2005 and it’s a surprisingly great stuff for anybody not aware of how rich the Asian-Arabic (and African) native rock and metal underground is.
Opening with the „Pokemons Are Punk“, a catchy tune with my favourite instrument (it’s the bass, by the way) providing the nice rhytm line, back in the day I’d mosh to it with an enthusiasm, haha. And even now, but the bones ache nowadays. Catchy, pulsing, with the healthy dose of an attitude thrown in, great stuff.
And the next one is no less fantastic! „Green Fly“ is called and is as good as it’s weird. The screaming vocals with the weird – WTF is that sound? – trumpet-like sound combined with the aggresively in-your-face pushing music, topped with the nice guitar solo. What more can you possibly want?
„Abu Hadriyah Road“ might be your only clue about band being Arabic, however, that’s not a given nowadays. It’s a global world, baby! But musically it’s a completely different monster from the previous one, more on the indie side of things, which – I’ll freely admit – it’s not really my cup of coffee, but I only know two kind of music, good and bad. This is good, the guitar solo is based on Arabic melodic scheme and I fucking love it! Although I did like the previous two songs, this is so far a level above them, no doubt about it.
With „Hide Your Problems“ we’re back in the era of the „Pokemons…“ and „Green Fly“, guessing from the dominant bass-line and the style of guitar solo, and what you have to give to the Saudi punkers is the experimenting with different approach in their songs. OK, some of this is an inevitable progress, but using different vocal styles (screaming, shouting and growling) is good. I won’t lie, it is that simplified alternative rock in it’s primitive form, but woud I skip it while playing this compilation? No, nope.
Almost in the half of the release and it’s „Mid-Night’s“. Wow, now that’s a surprise! First, it’s more of a rock ballad, second, it’s something you’d expect from the Seattle grunge bands. I’d say the said scene is a big influence here – and that’s not a negative statement, quite on the contrary. Very nice song, although I didn’t like the start of the guitar solo, to be honest, but it’s turned alright. Again, if you want, you can trace the Arabic traditional music influence here, which I always consider a plus. Go to your roots and don’t be ashamed of them. That’s what I say.
And „My Favourite Drill“ continues in this grungy atmosphere. Imagine Nirvana mixed with a bit of Alice in Chains and you’ll get the idea about the song. I’ll admit it’s probably my least favourite song here on this compilation, but again, it’s not that you will suffer listening to it. Or maybe you will, you don’t know until you listen to it.
„Weird Doll“ is a weird song, but I can’t decide if of good weird or bad weird variety. Nah, I’m kidding, it’s good. The very beginning of the song with a catchy riff and the hit-hat is enough to get your attention, the almost hypnotic bass and machine-like drums induce some kind of a trance in the listener (in this case, me). And just when you start asking – is that all, the song gets a little more tempo, just so you don’t fall asleep. And then back to the trance we go. Interestingly strange song, and then – out of the blue – the last minute brings up the great finish. It’s a weird song indeed, but strangely interesting.
Do you remember Nirvana’s unplugged performance? „I Found My Key“ brings back those memories. Accoustic instruments, and – again – great dominant bass line (which, I can’t stress enough, is my fave). If you still love Kurt unplugged, this is your song.
Some folks might not favour this song, but „Magic Touch“, with its simplicity and roughness, goes again in that primitive hardcore punk feel, along with the 1:30 of the song length. I am not sure why I like it, but I do. And if you don’t, at least it’s not that long. So, win-win here, I think. And wink here as well!
Not having enough? Glad, because there is also „Invisible Light“ here, and I guess we can spot a pattern here – from punk (and hardcore punk) to grunge and a bit of indie/alt rock, is it safe to say these are the stages Sound of Ruby went through in their formative years? OK, I’ll leave that to experts, „Invisible Light“ is again that grungy slow-rock, hypnotic track to calm everybody around down. No stress, kids! More suitable to the small club than a big halls and arenas, it’s kind of an intimate song and it’s just occur to me, it gives me the similar vibe as Staind’s „It’s Been A While“. Not a rip off song, though, but the feel, man…the feel is similar indeed.
„The Early Years 1996-2005“ is closing with „Meanwhile“, with a nice, catchy, guitar riff which proves (yet again), these Saudis can write catchy songs.
So… what to say about this compilation? Sound of Ruby are still one of the most important Saudi Arabian bands (and rightfully so) and they prove their status with every release.
And for those of you, who – like me – want to know more not only about their beginnings in the face of the various obstacles, but of the history of Saudi rock and metal scene, Sound of Ruby’s „The Early Years 1996-2005“ is a very important release, and that can’t be stressed enough.
Album on Youtube:
