Ruiz!’s new single, “Love Is Blind,” is a captivating blend of genres and introspective lyrics that delve into the complexities of love and its aftermath. Barcelona-born, Sheffield-based artist Hugh Ruiz Robert, known by his stage name Ruiz!, showcases his talents as a DIY multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist in this latest release.
With nothing more than a laptop and additional live instruments, Ruiz! effortlessly merges various musical styles, including 60s rock ‘n’ roll, electronica, punk, pop, psychedelia, and dark rock, while infusing them with a contemporary twist. This distinctive approach to music creation allows him to carve out a unique sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. “Love is Blind” explores the emotional turmoil that accompanies the breakdown of a romantic relationship, focusing on the measures we take to shield ourselves from painful truths. It serves as a personal reflection on the nature of love itself, questioning its blind nature and pondering when it is appropriate to move on from a failed connection.
The single boasts an infectious retro-electronic production, featuring a memorable chorus that lingers in the listener’s mind long after the song ends. The verses and lyrics delve into introspection, offering thoughtful musings on the subject matter. Ruiz!’s self-proclaimed genre, “Iberian Psych,” shines through in this track with its rhythmic percussion and beats that pack a punch, elevating the overall sound and capturing the listener’s attention. One of the standout elements in “Love Is Blind” is the prominent use of the Arturia keyboard, which adds a distinct flavor to the song reminiscent of legendary artists like Depeche Mode, OMD, and Kraftwerk. This nod to the electronic music pioneers of the past intertwines seamlessly with Ruiz!’s modern approach, resulting in a sonic experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Ruiz!’s ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners on an emotional level while simultaneously pushing musical boundaries is evident in “Love Is Blind.” Through his introspective lyrics and skillful fusion of genres, he creates a sound that is uniquely his own, captivating audiences with each release. “Love Is Blind” stands out as a testament to Ruiz!’s ability to craft introspective and thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with listeners. The song’s emotive power lies in its ability to capture the universal experience of grappling with the complexities of love and the painful realization that a relationship has reached its breaking point.
Within the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms, Ruiz! expertly navigates the nuances of heartache and self-discovery. The juxtaposition of catchy hooks and pondering verses creates a dynamic musical landscape that mirrors the emotional rollercoaster often associated with failed romances. The production of “Love Is Blind” showcases Ruiz!’s meticulous attention to detail, as he masterfully blends elements of different genres to create a cohesive sonic experience. The infusion of 60s rock ‘n’ roll with electronica, punk, pop, psychedelia, and dark rock creates an unpredictable and captivating soundscape that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Ruiz!’s distinctive vocals add another layer of depth to the song, delivering the heartfelt lyrics with raw emotion and authenticity. His ability to convey vulnerability and introspection through his vocal performance draws the listener into his world, making “Love Is Blind” a personal and relatable journey for anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and its aftermath. Beyond the immediate impact of its sound and lyrics, “Love Is Blind” also serves as a testament to Ruiz!’s growth as an artist. With each release, he continues to evolve and experiment, pushing the boundaries of his creativity and defying genre conventions. This willingness to explore new musical territories sets Ruiz! apart as an innovative force in the industry.
As Ruiz! continues to explore new sonic territories and delve into the depths of human emotions, “Love Is Blind” serves as a testament to his artistic vision and his unwavering commitment to creating music that speaks to the heart and soul of his listeners. With this latest single, Ruiz! solidifies his position as a talented and versatile artist to watch in the music industry.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Ruiz! is the mysteriously evoked moniker from Sheffield DIY multi-instrumentalist,
songwriter, producer, and vocalist Hugh Ruiz. Recorded with just a laptop, extra live instruments and in Lockdown, the new collection of songs seamlessly transcends across 60’s rock’n’roll, electronica, psychedelia and dark rock, with each genre being effortlessly fused with Ruiz!’s take on life in modern times.
The raw energy of Ruiz!, these recordings are elegant modern electronic pop music, home-made, DiY, Corona era, 2020. Quality is consistent. Compositions are smart. Hooks are contagious. Choruses are catchy. Songs about life, love and the modern maladies between men and women. Echoes of XTC, Beach Boys, Beatles, Buggles, The La’s, The Blockheads, Air, Stone Roses, Stranglers, Kraftwerk, Killing Joke, Soft Cell, The The, OMD, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Super Furry Animals, Pulp…
I started as the bass player in a little band called The Only Fruit when I came to Sheffield as a student. This lasted for almost two years, and we did some cool gigs and recorded some ace demos I then joined a band called AFID that played around the UK including a BBC Session, and we were part of Sheffield Sound City. We did a couple of tours and then our frontman left to do sound for Pavement! Bolster followed, ex Bollweevils signed to Vinyl Solution. Three singles followed and a lot of fun packed touring.
The Better Ford Clinic was next – again lots of touring, recording and huge amount of silliness! Jim Muir Slideshow followed. We had a single of the week in the Guardian with a track called London. We recorded an album that received a lot of national and international acclaim including amazing reviews in Uncut, Q and the Sunday Times. We toured the UK and Spain. Check Spotify for more…
obLONG was a lot of fun too. We released two EPS obLONG 1&2 – still available on iTunes, Spotify etc and were played on 6Music. We recorded at Club60 and with the legendary Ross Orton. Colt – adventures in Rock’n’riot! The Clear is a band I got together, we got a publishing deal and recorded a great little album. And now Ruiz! This is just me, on my own writing, recording, playing and singing everything. There’s a first time for everything, right? God help us!
Only Fruit Recordings was set up by Tony Fitzgerald and Ruiz!. Tony has brilliantly put my videos together and designed all my artwork.
I couldn’t have done it without Paul Galpin and Tony, so I am eternally grateful for all their encourengemnt and help so far. Gracias amigos!
Ruiz! has been mixed by Paul Galpin.
Follow Ruiz!:
Spotify – SoundCloud – YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Website