Ruby Unleashes a Searing Self-Titled EP, Igniting a Retro-Fueled Storm of Emotion and Power
- STAFF
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
By: Staff
Bold, textured, and wildly infectious—Ruby channels pure fire into every note of their EP 'Ruby'.
We were lucky enough to stumble across Ruby just as their self-titled EP, Ruby, dropped. It felt like a jolt to the system in the best way possible. From the first few notes, the project evokes a rush of nostalgia but with a punchy, contemporary edge that makes it feel brand new. The band doesn’t just flirt with retro; they commit to it, capturing a sound that echoes the anthems of decades past without ever sounding dated. Ruby is a tightly wound, emotionally potent collection of tracks that lands like a full-throttle love letter to classic rock with modern firepower.
It all kicks off with “26,” a track co-written by drummer Sean Grinsell, that sets the tone with an opening guitar sequence that shimmers like cut crystal. George Georgevich’s guitar work glides in with a melodic clarity that somehow sounds both clean and emotionally gritty.
Then comes Rachel Caldwell’s voice, soft and deliberate, almost whispered at first, laying the foundation before the song erupts into a full-band surge. The build is exquisite. Grinsell’s drums hit with drive and conviction, propelling the rhythm while Peter Nepomuceno’s bass expands underneath like a current, strong and fluid.
As the track grows, Caldwell’s vocals surge upward, fully backed by a band that knows exactly when to explode and when to pull back. The cohesion is a knockout. Every element is precisely where it should be, giving “26” the weight of a mission statement. It is the ideal opener that launches Ruby with clarity and power.
Following that standout, “Flashback” drops in with a different kind of force. This time, Nepomuceno’s bass sits right up front with a bold, rumbling groove that becomes the heartbeat of the track. Those sharp, iconic handclaps snap into place and are impossible to ignore, begging you to join in. Caldwell shines again but in a more raw, textured way. Her voice is raspy and precise and emotive. She rides the energy of the song with perfect balance, letting it lift her up and drive her forward. When her vocals retreat, the instrumentation doesn’t miss a beat. The entire band holds the spotlight and proves how interconnected their sound really is.
Georgevich’s guitar solo near the track’s climax is flat-out incendiary. It is soaring, snarling, and impossible to ignore. The solo has that dangerous edge that makes it feel like the song might burst into flames at any second. “Flashback” is the kind of song you feel in your bones and it sticks with you long after it ends.
And then there’s “Stay,” a midtempo powerhouse that hits like a memory you didn’t know you needed. Caldwell channels echoes of Pat Benatar without imitation. It’s just pure force and finesse. The lyrics cut deep, delivered with conviction, and the band holds the lane with confidence and grit. Grinsell’s drumming here is particularly standout. It is precise but filled with character, driving the song with tight fills and unexpected flourishes. Georgevich’s guitar lines layer with thick, swirling emotion while Nepomuceno’s bass keeps the track anchored and steady. It’s one of those songs that walks the line between vulnerability and strength with real grace. Every moment is deliberate and it builds toward a chorus that explodes just when it needs to. We couldn’t stop playing this one and honestly, we didn’t want to.
One other very impressive aspects of Ruby is its production. It was recorded at Park Street Recording Studio in Elgin, Illinois, a refurbished house outfitted with top-tier acoustics. The EP feels warm and analog from top to bottom. Tyler Ford’s engineering gives the tracks a textured, tactile quality that’s more than just sound; it’s atmosphere. There's a gorgeous cassette-era warble baked into the mix, a subtle, almost imperceptible imperfection that gives the EP its soul. That turntable-in-the-living-room feel, vinyl slightly warped and the needle tracing every contour, gives Ruby its undeniable authenticity. It is not lo-fi but it breathes like something alive. You feel it move. It is a rare kind of production that adds character without ever getting in the way of the music. Ford captured not just a sound but a sensation.
What Ruby has done with Ruby is no small feat. They have crafted a project that feels immediate and lasting, modern but rooted in the richness of rock history. It is not just a collection of songs. It is a cohesive statement with vision, energy, and real emotional range.
With Caldwell, Georgevich, Nepomuceno, and Grinsell firing on all cylinders, this band has chemistry you can hear in every second. We are beyond excited to see where they go next.
Until then, Ruby is staying in heavy rotation.
Ruby’s latest self titled EP is a searing, emotionally rich anthem that proves this band is an unstoppable force
Ruby, based in Chicago, is a band that thrives on instinct and intuition. Their synergy is undeniable. George Georgevich delivers both songwriting backbone and guitar wizardry. Rachel Caldwell brings a gripping vocal style that never trades emotion for effect. Bassist Peter Nepomuceno doesn’t just hold it down; he gives their sound its pulse, a kinetic low-end presence that demands attention. Drummer Sean Grinsell brings nuance and thunder in equal measure, balancing intricate patterns with sheer drive. Every member contributes more than just technical prowess; they bring identity.
Ruby is not trying to follow a trend. They are building something with lasting energy. Their creative process is collaborative at its core. It begins with demos from Georgevich that spark full-band alchemy, all captured through the sonic lens of recording engineer Tyler Ford, whose sharp ear and analog sensibilities elevate every note.
We’re so excited to have found and can’t wait to hear more from the incredibly dynamic Ruby.
Stream, playlist, and share this EP by Ruby now—this is a band you need in your rotation immediately.
