(PR) Hi-Hat Recordings artist Spookey Ruben returns to delight us once again with his knack for colouring outside current musical trends: June 2nd marked the release of Mechanical Royalty (via Sonic Unyon), an album that skips merrily through the garden of musical genres, playing tribute to everything from Yacht Rock to death metal. At the heart of the album lies the seven chapter prog rock epic 16min title track where Spookey Ruben tackles a genre forever riddled with ridicule. With its 12-keyboards-and-a-robe-with-a-30-ft-dragon-on-stage guise, Spookey, historically attracted to projects that absolutely don't fit in the hipster category, manages to tantalize once again with his latest piθce de rιsistance.
Mechanical Royalty (a pun, alluding not only to the album cover and storyline of the title track, but also to a music business term) is an intense 70s/80s rollercoaster ride, but its Spookey's point of view that makes it feel inviting and brand new, consistently dishing up his excitement for music in his own special heartfelt way.
In addition to his musical prowess, Spookey is the mastermind behind 'Spookey Ruben's Dizzy Playground' (AUX.tv/Exclaim.ca), an ongoing series of short films guest starring notable musicians like Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene), John McEntire (Tortoise/The Sea and Cake), Melissa Auf Der Maur (Hole, Smashing Pumpkins). Upcoming episodes will include Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy), Brian Borcherdt (Holy F*ck) and Leslie Feist (Feist).
On top of all this good stuff Spookey Ruben is hitting the road for a not-to-be-missed tour. Do yourself a favour and catch him live at one of these dates:
May 29th Toronto, ON Gladstone Hotel (TOUR LAUNCH PARTY)
June 2nd Sault Ste. Marie, ON Loplops
June 3rd Thunder Bay, ON Kilroys
June 4th Winnipeg, MB Pyramid Cabaret
June 5th Saskatoon, SK Amigo's
June 6th Regina, SK The Exchange
June 8th Nanaimo, BC Queen's Inn
June 9th Victoria, BC Logans
June 10th Vancouver, BC Biltmore
June 11th Edmonton, AB Pawn Shop
June 13th Calgary, AB Marquee Room
June 18th Toronto, ON NXNE
June 19th Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
June 21st Wakefield, QC Black Sheep Inn
