Heavy Good by RUBY GAINES: EP Review

by Gabe Finch September 6, 2023

September 6, 2023

Glasgow-based artist Ruby Gaines has unveiled her debut EP, “Heavy Good,” a 4-track eccentric and vintage masterpiece produced by the two-time Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award nominee Chris McCrory (Walt Disco, The Joy Hotel), and mastered by Grammy-nominated Philip Shaw Bova.

The EP opens with “Woo,” a track that captivates with its sensual accentuation. Ruby’s flirty and sultry vocals with a siren-like accentuation, wailing and longing are the heart of this song. The moody, relaxed instrumentals serve as a perfect backdrop to her expressive performance, setting the tone for what’s to come.

“How It Looks,” follows, showcasing Ruby’s versatility as an artist. Her smooth and tender vocals take center stage, delivering both catchy and hooky lyrics with the jangly musical arrangement in the background. “Holier Than Cows” takes a thought-provoking turn as Ruby delves into systemic religious oppression with choir-like vocals echoing behind her low register crooning, creating a bold, haunting and ethereal atmosphere.

The EP’s closing track, “Heavy,” could arguably be the highlight of “Heavy Good.” It provides an intimate and vulnerable glimpse into feelings of doubt and anxiety and the artist’s struggle to navigate them. Ruby’s voice takes on a vintage quality, vibrating powerfully into the microphone before slithering into the lower registers. The song’s journey from vulnerability to a groovy, cathartic release is intriguing and emotionally resonant.

“Heavy Good” by Ruby Gaines is a compelling introduction to an artist with boundless potential, and it leaves us eagerly anticipating what she’ll bring us next.