Ruby Doom show everybody exactly what Paul tasted like on their debut EP.
The hardest part of starting a review is always introducing your subject. So many trials and tribulations with a form restrained jubilation when it comes to putting the pen to paper (or thumbs to screen in this case.). However, no fucking introduction is needed for Ruby Doom. You should know who they are. These Brantfordians have come out guns blazing the past year with their biggest strength being their camaraderie. This bands foundation is their friendship first and foremost, always and forever. Wanting to make music for their friends, made by friends. An admirable trait that every band should take notes from.
Beginning in 2023 with friends Cadence Nixon, Dani MacDonald, Lauren Riley and Amanda Mersereau. 3/4 (barre Mersereau) of the band had only just started playing their instruments within the last year! Playing multiple jam packed shows, spearheading our local arts community and just being the best people they can possibly be. Beyond the red hair, early 00s Lavigne-esque chic and slamming power chords there was only one thing left to do:
Record some fucking ragers.
The band recorded “Eating Paul” at Judah Johns legendary studio (sometimes bedroom) The Nursery. With only 6 songs and an 18 minute runtime the Doomers waste no moment to get their point across. The EP kicks off with crowd favourite Maggot with its interactive nature in the alphabetical countdown and its hypnotic chord progression. You can tell instantly what these young ladies are going for. They unapologetically wear all their influences on their sleeve which adds to their charm.
The project trudges through many songs about jealousy, hypocrisy, the frigid (yet promiscuous) state of our provinces seasons/elements and tales of graveyard cops. The production is exactly what the project calls for. Thumping, high energy and overall fun. I find that the EPs last three tracks really show off the diversity of their short discography. An early 2000s ode to the stop and go dance crazy styles of the New York garage rock scene in Thirsty Love. While Nixon is creating a grandiose sense lore for the band with lines like “He took me to his tomb. He played some Ruby Doom.”. My personal favourite track “Burn This Song After Listening.” is a little rap-punk anthem with commentary on misogyny, anti-capitalist rhetoric and the mass hysteria of the modern age with the refrain being “loser baby, kill me, kill me.”.
Though simplistic in its nature, the rhythm section is essential to the very core of the album. This bass and drums might be playing simple grooves but that’s what makes it work. It grooves. Less is more. Juxtaposed to that is Merseraus keen sense of melody which used very lightly and sporadically across the EP but when it shines you can tell instantly. A particular standout moment is when the two guitarists have the duelling guitars in EP closer Teeth.
I love this band and I am so proud with how far they’ve come in such a short amount of time. Rest assured, you’ll be hearing from Ruby Doom. Until then, listen to Eating Paul on all streaming platforms!
MAGGOT/10
Written by Issa Mohammad
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