Kicking off with a beautiful shimmering guitar that reminds you of one of those riffs that you know but you just can't place, Rugby Road is the kind of song that would charm just about anyone. Oh wait; it's Drive Blind by Ride (and Drive Blind charmed the hell out of me).
It may well be a pretty understated song, but it's far too concise and focused to wander off into shoegazing territory. Rugby Road drifts up on you like sparkling smoke, as an androgynous vocal line (not dissimilar to Marc Bolan in his softer moments, it must be said) whispers in your ear. You can't quite make out what's being said, but it might well be; "You're about to fall in love with this band."
If it weren't for the B-side you'd be pledging undying love, because this really is a single of considerable contrasts. Girl is a fat fingered strum through junkie folk song land: think Babyshambles and you're getting close. However, there are some tremendously ethereal backing vocals that sound truly haunted, and that shimmering guitar puts in a second appearance. After the gentle wonder of Rugby Road, though, it's hard not to be disappointed.
share with:
