In 2007, Stuart McLamb started recording music on his own as a reaction to a bad breakup. 6 years later, The Love Language has become a full-fledged recording project.
His third album, Ruby Red, features an army of musicians, fearlessly led by its captain, Mclamb. This time out, lo-fi has given way to multi-layered, orchestral production, and his romantic, alt-country pop has taken on a new dimension. The record bubbles with charming pop compositions; Phil Spector-like production, complete with strings and horn sections; all infused with indie garage rock sensibilities.
The songs on Ruby Red meander through the record’s carefully constructed soundscapes. There are ballads like “For Izzy“ that mellow the record a bit and provide an interlude between punches like the powerhouse, “First Shot.” Here, smooth vocal harmonies recall 60s era pop while pounding beats and searing guitars reminiscent of The Kills give the song an edge and an unexpected punch. Strings and synths try to soften that punch, but those guitars and that aggressive beat refuse to let up their assault until the song’s abrupt end.
Ruby Red is available on Merge Records and iTunes streaming on Spotify. Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter.