Some bands can be summed up in a neat genre label. Ruby Doomsday are not particularly interested in making that easy. The South London duo have returned with “Puff of Smoke”, a new single that brings lo-fi tape textures, accordion drones and flashes of glam-pop into the same strange, oddly inviting world.

The pairing of Courtney McMahon and Joey Julliard describe their sound as “apocalyptic doo-wop”. It is an intriguing description, but the more interesting thing is how the group combine old-fashioned melodic instincts with arrangements that refuse to stay in one place.

A road movie after the ending

“Puff of Smoke” is accompanied by a music video shot on VHS, lending the track the feel of a road movie discovered on an old tape. Julliard has connected the song’s inspiration to the surreal ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey and the idea of what comes after an apparent ending. It is an unusual starting point for a pop song, and exactly the sort of detail that makes a new artist worth paying attention to.

The track was recorded and produced by Saam Jafarzadeh at Dean Street Studios. The producer has previously worked with Her’s and Brad Stank. Julliard also plays with Swim Deep and FUR.

Why Ruby Doomsday are worth watching

Ruby Doomsday are still at an early stage: “Puff of Smoke” is their third single. They have already supported Nature TV on a UK tour, while Wet Leg selected their debut single “Blood and Thunder” for the pre-show playlist on their Moisturizer tour.

That combination of musical curiosity and early live momentum makes them a natural fit for the emerging artists we follow at Imminent Infinity. For another example of a distinctive new UK sound, see our introduction to Kent’s studio20 and their debut single ‘Penny Drop’. There is room in the grassroots scene for bands that do not sound like anyone else, and Ruby Doomsday seem determined to make their own space.

The duo are scheduled to play The George Tavern on 24 October and The Old Blue Last on 5 November. As ever, check venue listings before travelling.

Source: The Line of Best Fit.