Derry based Alt.Folk artist RUÁ releases ‘The Healing’. An EP that follows in the footsteps of alternative Irish Folk with a few unexpected twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
The EP opens with its namesake ‘Healing’, A track that reminisces on the downfall of a relationship. The track is defined by Ruá’s vocal and a regret riddled cello performance that accents the song’s emotion perfectly. This emotion builds towards a sinister ‘carnival-esque’ outro section, an unexpected turn which further adds to the mystery of the track.
‘A Mothers Love’ is the second and oldest track on the EP. Written in 2017 it explores the unconditional nature of maternal love. This track has a distinctly ominous atmosphere to it, with droning instrumentals and distorted vocals that distill a certain tension in the listener. This is emphasised with the introduction of another exceptional cello performance, providing a haunting and cinematic conclusion to the track
‘Freedom (Strength is Numbers)’ Is the most sonically diverse offering on the EP and covers the heaviest subject matter. Centring on oppression and those caught in the middle of it, the track offers a deeply empathetic sentiment and a longing for change.
‘Sunday in Bed’ is without doubt my favourite track on the EP, baring another highly emotional orchestration and intense emotional vocal. The chorus line ‘Let’s spend all of Sunday in Bed’ offers a a catchy pop hook whilst not forsaking any of the intense delivery from previous tracks. This raw emotion is elevated by the final chorus where the arrangement dials back and we learn the relationship is over. Creating a rather poignant moment emphasised even further by a perfectly timed voice crack.
The EP concludes with ‘Springtime’, a track that brings with it visions of seasons passing by. It embodies the sense of healing over time, with a bouncing guitar and melancholy synth that entrance the listener and show off what this EP is all about, Healing. As has come to be expected from this EP, the latter half of the track takes a darker turn perhaps reminding us that while time will heal all, you can not rush time.
Written over the course of seven years, RUÁ has delivered an EP that is truly a journey through time and the process of healing. Covering an emotional array of complex subject matters this is a hauntingly cinematic experience and a must listen for any fan of Folk music.
