Rutherford Royal's Debut EP 'Bleak': An Intimate Exploration Of Love

Andrew Christopher Rutherford Royal hails from the barrier islands of South Carolina, and he has a deep connection with the land. He's a non-traditionalist with his own interpretation of the eastern South, and he's all about that Southern Gothic life. He's known for weaving dark, Indie Americana tales that'll leave you haunted.

This musical mastermind doesn't just write and curate his works - he's also the brains behind the music. He records and mixes his stuff (and other artists' work) from a remote cabin studio in southern Tennessee, with a stunning view of a hidden waterfall.

Rutherford Royal's debut EP, Bleak, is a six-song collection that gives us a glimpse into his struggles with love. Each track is a cameo, and they all speak to those times when he's felt lost in the murky waters of bachelorhood or failed relationships.

The lyrics might take some artistic liberties, but the songs themselves are based on true experiences. This EP is a record of Rutherford Royal's journey to connect with others.

"Let Me In" is a standout track on Rutherford Royal's debut EP, featuring a hauntingly beautiful melody and emotional lyrics that tug at the heartstrings. The song opens with a simple yet evocative guitar riff that creates a sense of intimacy and draws the listener in.

The track explores the vulnerability and fear of opening oneself up to love. Rutherford sings of wanting to be accepted and loved for who he is while acknowledging the risk of putting oneself out there. His dynamic vocal delivery adds weight to the song's themes.

Andrew Christopher Rutherford Royal is a musical mastermind from the barrier islands of South Carolina. Image from Spotify.

"Bleak" is highly evocative, with each production element working together to create a vivid and captivating sonic landscape. The synths are ethereal and haunting, adding to the overall sense of otherworldliness and creating a hypnotic and mesmerizing effect. The beat is propulsive and energetic, providing a foundation for the rest of the EP to build upon.

"Lords & Ladies" explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Rutherford sings of looking back on a past relationship with regret and longing while acknowledging the inevitability of change and growth. The lyrics are introspective and poetic, with Rutherford's delivery adding weight and emotion to the words.

The instrumentation and production of "Lords & Ladies" are noteworthy. The track features a minimalist arrangement, allowing Rutherford's vocals and guitar to take center stage. The guitar work is vibrant, adding each note to the overall mood. The production quality is excellent, with the sound mixing and mastering providing a warm, inviting tone.

"Keep It Between Us" is a soulful and seductive track on the EP showcasing his vocalist talent and ability to craft a smooth and romantic ballad. The song opens with a jazzy guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track, with Rutherford's sultry and emotive vocals adding depth and emotion to the lyrics.

The track explores the theme of secrecy and the desire to keep a relationship private. Rutherford sings of wanting to keep his love hidden from the rest of the world, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that adds to the overall romantic mood of the track. The lyrics are sensual and poetic, with Rutherford's smooth delivery adding a layer of sensuality and passion.

“Summer Heat” features a lively and complex arrangement combining funk, pop, and electronic music elements to create a familiar and fresh sound. The quality of the production is excellent, with each track element blending seamlessly to create a cohesive and dynamic sound.

The standout track, "Let Me In," is a beautiful, vulnerable song about wanting to be accepted and loved for who he is. Image from EARMILK.

The track demonstrates his versatility as a producer and his ability to create an infectious and engaging track. The track's upbeat and carefree vibe make it a perfect addition to any summertime playlist. Its complex and dynamic sound is a testament to Rutherford's skill as a musician and producer.

"Back Burner" is the last track on Rutherford Royal's EP, cementing the tone for the project. The song features a soulful, bluesy guitar riff that hooks the listener from the beginning, creating a sense of anticipation for what's to come.

The track is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, with Rutherford's lyrics painting a vivid picture of the pain and longing that can come with a one-sided relationship. He sings of being left on the "back burner," relegated to a secondary role in someone else's life. The emotional weight of the lyrics is complemented by Rutherford's passionate vocal delivery, which conveys the raw emotion of the song's themes.

The instrumentation and production of "Back Burner" are noteworthy. The track features a stripped-down arrangement that allows Rutherford's voice and guitar to take center stage. The guitar riff is infectious and provides a memorable foundation for the rest of the song. The track also features subtle percussive elements and a haunting backing vocal that add depth.

“Each track presents as a cameo which is an attempt at describing times when I have felt lost in the liminal spaces of bachelorhood or failing relationships,” the artist said in a public statement. “Though the lyrics take plenty of artistic liberties, the songs themselves are true experiences which serve as a record of my personal struggle to connect.”

Bleak is a beautiful addition to the artist's discography. The title track sets the overall mood and tone of the EP. Rutherford's strong lyrical abilities are displayed throughout the EP, and his attention to detail and artistry is evident.

Bleak will drop on Feb. 24.