Supergrass-level tightness, Arctic Monkeys-like confidence, and The Clash-esque caliber of quirkiness, ‘PARASITE’ is a delightfully distinct new single from The Chris Ruben Band.
The Chris Ruben Band, led by Chris Ruben, is based in Setauket, New York. Their sound on ‘PARASITE’ is infectious and old school, reminiscent of many classic indie and alt-rock acts that range from Paul McCartney to Supergrass, The group’s sound is truly far-reaching and -while reminiscent of many others- manages to remain quite sternly individual and unique.
Guitar-based, the riffy ‘PARASITE’ is the first taster from the band’s upcoming album, and from the first moments, the faux-intro got me immediately hooked. The arrangement of the colorful vocals, half-charismatic yells, and half-impish group-sung melodies, is engaging and manages to inject quite a bit of energy into the song. Alongside the terrific vocals we have delightfully calculated guitars, juicy and overdriven, layered and detailed, and quite solidly played, together with an airtight rhythm section and we are left with a fantastically electrifying rock cut that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
‘PARASITE’ is a jangle that does not compromise. Being of a relatively short runtime it is a cut that has it all, and it uses it all, in rapid succession. Riffs, intricate structures, key changes, beat changes, varied vocal styles, and cheeky lyrics, this succinct piece of rock offers all it has to offer, and it is very generous and very well made.
