ru·is - a dreamwithinadream (Self Release) [Alt-Pop]
- The Slow Music Movement
- 2 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Singer Isa Desmet and violinist Uther Smis are now known as ru·is, a suitably abstract, somewhat hard-to-type or search for name, that complements their grey area, alt-pop deviance. Apparently, they're fans of the TSMM approved Lankum and Stick in the Wheel, so I'll be keeping a close eye on them, especially after this auspicious debut.
The pair have been playing a few gigs under their own names, so I'm hoping they're sitting on a stash of music, but they've chosen to say hello to the world with "adreamwithinadream", and it's a wise choice. Based on the 1849-penned poem of the same name, albeit with spaces between the words, by Edgar Allan Poe, the pair treat their inspiration with due deference.
Gentle, introspective guitar and barely breathing percussion from Joran Wijnsouw, pave the way for Desmet to opine on time, memory and reality slipping through our fingers. Initially, Desmet appears in control of her destiny, charting a steady vocal course through her mundane acoustic existence, but it's not long before the inevitable cracks appear; portended by the arrival of Smis and Toby Kuhn's stately strings that slowly build in intensity before spiralling off into discord, distress and discontent as, despite our best efforts and desires, life so often does. In denial, Desmet attempts to keep sane by calmly repeating the song title like a mantra, but is enveloped by the orchestra's existential angst. And then, as suddenly as the drama started, it's over. Well, until the next time.
Playlist Companion
Find ru·is in the Slow Alt-Pop Playlist.