ALBUM REVIEW: RÜFÜS DU SOL - LIVE FROM JOSHUA TREE
Australian alt-dance group RÜFÜS DU SOL spent some time in California’s bleak and barren desert, Joshua Tree, to record Live From Joshua Tree, a live album which was also filmed in the desert setting.
It’s a slow and eerie start for the Sydney trio, with Valley of The Yuccas painting a picture of tropical bird sounds – somehow still depicting a desert scene, with anticipation building as to what could be next. No time is wasted, as Eyes dives straight into RÜFÜS DU SOL territory, with singer Tyrone Lindqvist upholding their signature sound, whilst Jon George and James Hunt diving into deeper waters with dark vibrations and sporadic cow bells.
Marimbas replicate a rattling cobra’s tail with track number three, New Sky, as a “new day” feeling has emerged, which is quite fitting. Day quickly turns to night, with Desert Night placing a huge emphasis on the metal drum beat towards the end of the song, which surprisingly fits in well, with all being forgiven when the dancefloor mood returns
Solace, the title track of their third album, was released as a single prior to Live From Joshua Tree. Solace brings light and refinement, as the sound of Live From Joshua Tree really begins to shine. This sense of refinement is also present in Underwater, which was a hugely popular track off of their album Solace (2018), the track sounding polished and smooth.
Innerbloom, a crowd favourite which peaked at number 65 on the ARIA Singles Chart, and scored the trio platinum status has a lighter feel, with prominent drum and bird sounds leading the track right back into RÜFÜS DU SOL domain.
No Place finishes the album, with distinct sounds of swaying wind chimes flooding the beginning. Things quieten down towards the end, with no remnants of Live From Joshua Tree left behind.
Live From Joshua Tree encapsulates all that is great about RÜFÜS DU SOL: their creative flair, versatility, and ability to step outside of their comfort zone, creating experiences for their audience and listeners to marvel in.