Search - Ruarri Joseph :: Tales of Grime and Grit

Think 'singer-songwriter' and you'll most likely picture a pale young man in a bedsit, head bowed in anguished introspection. Ruarri Joseph couldn't be more different. Eschewing the lovelorn angst of his peers, he deals in joy, not misery. In gossamer melodies, not gut-wrenching despair. Most of all, he writes about family, friends, good times, faith, hope. The ties that bind, not the pain that can drive us apart. His debut album, due for release in June through Atlantic Records, is a compelling statement of intent. Standout moments include Patience, a brooding, minor-key affair with passionate and tightly-wound vocals and More Rock N Roll which spotlights the appeal of this most unique of artists. The song takes a typically self-deprecating tone, casting a sceptical eye over the trappings of a supposedly 'rock n'roll' lifestyle, like much of his best material, it explores overarching themes of family and companionship, intimacy and human warmth - yet never descends into mawkishness. It's hard to imagine any other artist writing a song quite like it.