Richard Dawson — The Ruby Cord — Album Review
Alternative | Folk | Rock
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music
Given the unique way that Richard Dawson creates and performs music (when compared to a lot of other artists in the modern musical age), it’s definitely safe to say that he feels like a true man of the craft when it comes to pure musical storytelling.
This was the main reason why I enjoyed his albums released in recent memory, such as 2019’s 2020, and especially his 2021 collaboration with Circle that was Henki. Of course, many would argue his vocals leave a little to be desired, but I feel that Richard allows this to work in his favour thanks to the extreme earthiness of his albums.
And his newest album, The Ruby Cord, is no different. Listed as the seventh solo album in Richard’s discography, this album definitely plays in to Dawson’s narrative strengths, albeit in a somewhat on-the-nose way.
For starters, this album begins with “The Hermit” a track that lasts exactly 41 minutes long! And with somebody as busy as myself trying to settle down and take the time to listen to this one track, I simply couldn’t bring myself to do so.
However, there are still 6 other normal size tracks, which collectively last around as long as the one first track. Thus, that will primarily be what I will be covering in this here review.
Despite not officially listening to the whole album, I still got a good sense of what the narrative focus was in the case of The Ruby Cord though (Richard Dawson is just that good at weaving tales through his music). Said narrative seems to focus on the climate crisis we are currently facing, for the most part. Weaving a sad post-apocalyptic soundscape through folk instrumentation. Songs like “Museum” really hit the mark when it came to shedding light on the overall message of The Ruby Cord.
But despite the dreariness of the narrative, the music itself, in contrast, carries quite the peaceful undertones, for the majority of the album. After all, it is through this kind of atmosphere that I feel Richard Dawson can undoubtedly shine. However, I feel that the kind of atmosphere that lies dormant on an album like Henki, would’ve also fused with the narrative way better on this album. But I digress, the more bright-sounding instrumentation on this album is still a treat for the ears.
This sound also feels a lot more apt for the winter days that have now set in. As I’ve touched upon earlier, it is oddly peaceful sounding for an album with the narrative that The Ruby Cord has.
One of the things I would say makes me feel a little bit more torn towards this album, however, is perhaps the dependence on ambient sounds, and the fact that there may just be a little bit too much of it. On top of the whopping 41 minute first track, we also have the near 2 and a half minute of ambient noise in the form of “No-one”, and I have stated before that it is one of my pet peeves.
While not my personal favourite work to come from Richard Dawson, it is still a very solid listening experience; one that conveys an important message, and has the folk-like atmosphere to uplift even the coldest of listeners.
Favourite Tracks: The Fool | Museum | Horse and Rider
Least Favourite Track: No-one
Domino Recording Co
