RUARIADH RATTRAY-CRUICKSHANK DELIVERS WITH SOLO ALBUM ‘HOPE & HUNGER’

THE EDINBURGH ARTIST SHARES ‘AN EMOTION-FILLED JOURNEY’ IN ALBUM DEBUT

Earlier this year, guitarist and singer-songwriter Ruariadh Rattray-Cruickshank played his part in the release of two EPs. The first was in January with Attic Days, an indie-rock style quintet from Edinburgh and the second was with Dazed & Confused, a four-piece band also based in the Scottish capital. Both of them explored different genres, ranging from indie to acoustic to psychedelic rock, a musical spectrum that many will only sit on one side of.

In both bands, Ruariadh primarily takes the role of lead guitarist with his intricate guitar playing and stellar solos. However, he also ventured into being a vocalist in both bands too, which is why it was no surprise that he explored the concept of a solo album, subsequently resulting in “Hope & Hunger”. He wasn’t alone in this solo journey, though. Kirstie Maclean, the frontwomen and lead vocalist from Attic Days, and drummer from both bands Alfie Smith assisted Ruariadh in the creation of this solo record which was written, recorded and produced independently.

“Cream” by Dazed & Confused is an EP that showcases Ruariadh’s undeniably unique style of guitar work. The final track of this production is also the title track, and serves as more of a ballad compared to the explosive and enticing energy of the other three tracks. In a way, it acts as a tranquil transition into this solo album.

“Hope & Hunger” as a record has become the mesmerising musical metamorphosis of both Ruariadh and his evolution as a musician. The release relishes in different aspects of life, and the way he words each tune gives the impression of immense mental maturity. From happiness to loss, Ruariadh takes listeners on an emotional journey, at times providing a vibrant version of vulnerability. In ‘Adeline’, the phrase “for all to see” is repeated, almost stating that this is a soundtrack to both hardships and happiness.

With a diverse musical background in Attic Days, Dazed & Confused and a recent addition as part of the duo, The Vennels, with Kirstie Maclean, it makes sense that the influences inspiring Ruariadh are also as eclectic. From Bob Dylan to Dire Straits, the varying melodious notions representing each track pay homage to those who Ruariadh seems to listen to himself. Noticeably, his songwriting style is striking, stunning and so honest. He is an artist who is successfully able to draw the most positive elements from the most memorable of acts and transform them into his own genre and style.

He provides the same sort of feeling that words penned by Bruce Springsteen and fellow Scot Paolo Nutini give. The latter artist appears to be a little bit of a vocal influence too. Tracks including ‘Aimlessly’, ‘Adeline’ and ‘Old Love’ give way to authenticity and he isn’t afraid to use his accent. Pronunciation of specific phrases is purposeful and he truly gets across every feeling and message I imagine he intends to make.

The latter tune, ‘Old Love’ is almost like a love letter and has recently received radio airplay on Deal Radio through the Into the Groover Show. The simplicity fused with intricate instrumentals is something he has mastered completely. ‘Adeline’ in particular is one of my favourites from the record and gives the same feel as ‘Writer’ by Paolo Nutini. “I was lost, I was found” is repeated in the track and gives the impression that through overcoming negativity, he has been able to find himself.

With ‘Aimlessly’, it too shares a reflection on this influence and with his perfectly picturesque penning of words, Ruariadh creates a scene of seeking a specific someone who you can aimlessly spend time with. His descriptive depictions are divine to listen to, “like a tale told at sea, it’s her voice that comforts me”.

This is a theme that is common throughout “Hope & Hunger” as he seems to personify the idea of finding someone that can go through the bright and dark times with us. In the first track ‘Portugal’, the meticulous melody surrounds a similar story, “it’s only you that I’m bound”. Again, in penultimate track ‘Don’t Want It To Go Wrong’, this theme is present. In this song, he introduces the feeling of nervousness of messing a certain relationship up. With harmonising vocals from Kirstie Maclean, they bring to life lyrics like “the distant sounds of harmonies”.

Picture painting phrases and personifications are another theme in “Hope & Hunger”. In ‘Moving On’, he compares a specific person to the brightness that provides hope and the ability to move on, “you’re the candle who burns darkness into light”. With a memorable chorus, it shares similarity to ‘Face This Alone’, which would be my top pick if I had to choose. The captivating chorus is one that asks questions that a lot of us may have asked like “should I be scared of my ignorance?” It is bright, airy and the melodic playing accompanying the lyrics is enticing.

Not only are his verses and choruses poetically poignant, Ruariadh’s ability to conceptualise a situation into a song is next level. Final track ‘Near The End’ is a demo. It is a raw and realistic rendition of loss, or the end of something, and the unpolished aspect truly adds to this. The vivid versatility in his wording makes it a track that many will resonate with, “through your eyes you’ve watched me grow”. While those who know him may be able to identify the loss that this could be indicative of, the open wording doesn’t nail it to any specific situation.

Discussing subjects that many of us still see as taboo, Ruariadh gives a safe space that emphasises the necessity to feel the emotions that come with the highs and lows of life. I truly love this album and in terms of debut records, I can’t think of a better debut into the solo world of music than “Hope & Hunger”. Even if Ruariadh never releases more music of his own, this is a record that he should be immensely proud of.