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RÜFÜS DU SOL
‘Surrender’
Album Review

(23rd October 2021)

Review by Deb Kloeden

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The wait is over. Rufus Du Sol’s 4th full length album ‘Surrender’ has dropped, straight from the inspirational isolation of their ‘sanctuary’ in USA. And it was definitely worth the wait!

The opening track, ‘Next To Me’ begins with a simple one finger piano note repeated as an intro. Pure simplicity. Then the layers build, vocal layers at first, build and build. As the track progresses, the bass gives it foundation. The architecture of the song is created. This track sets the standard for the whole album.

The second track, ‘Make It Happen’, brings in a children’s choir, giving their vocal sound huge depth, a little like the audience singing along at a concert. This track conjures up memories of innocence from childhood, playing in the old school yard.

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Stream / Purchase Surrender

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‘See You Again’ gives listeners the predictable trance-like rhythmic beat we all love, providing comfort in that some things stay the same. Apparently this track came together the quickest with everything falling into place very easily.  ‘Alive’ was the first single released and describes what many people in the world are probably feeling at the moment, “At least I’m alive”. Soaring vocals emphasise this celebration, despite the undertones of desperation.

I instantly fell in love with ‘On My Knees Again’, the second single released. It sounds so familiar, like meeting an old friend. It really holds the essence of Rufus Du Sol’s signature sound, with a very catchy chorus line and hypnotic background beat. “It looks like I’m on my knees again, feels like the walls are closing in”. These lyrics give the impression of being defeated; however, the catchy positive vibe of the chorus makes me feel like it’s not such a bad thing. The same obstacles keeps recurring, but also continue to be overcome.

‘Wildfire’ is almost hymn-like with a real devotional feel. There is a distinct Radiohead vibe to this song. The slightly melancholic vocals have a down beat at the end of each line, almost like giving in. However, the building crescendo towards the end looks to the future and suggests a solution is possible with the plea “come home”. ‘Surrender’, the title track, brings in more Earthly influences with lines like “Let the rain come down” and subtle references; “Shower me with love”. This song features the vocals of Curtis Harding, an American soul artist, who gives a gospel feel to the song.

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Track 10, ‘Devotion’, could have been written for a film score. It conjures up all sorts of images and feelings leading the listener on their own personal journey, while being the ultimate dance track on the album. The opening employs unique scratchy synth in the bassline with a soothing melody layered over the top. But when the chorus kicks in, it becomes a very danceable track.

The first time I listened to this album, I was so impressed with the technical brilliance of every track. Every song is unique and reveals the way the band has grown and become more sophisticated over the years. “Always’ is the perfect final track, a reassurance that “I won’t let you down, I won’t let you go, I’ll always be there”. Again they save their longest track for last, with echoes of ‘Innerbloom’ from their ‘Bloom’ album. It utilises long hypnotic chords, grand crescendos and finally a feeling of disappearing into space. It leaves you with a feeling of sadness that the album is over, but also a joy that comes from experiencing this amazing new body of work.

There is a real connection to Earth through the whole album combined with the architectural process of building, layer by layer, all woven into their unique digital language. The album cleverly reflects the vast empty landscapes that Rufus Du Sol seeks out, translating them into a sonic tapestry of pure joy. I haven’t mentioned every track here. I’ll leave some nice surprises to be discovered. But this album is an absolute must for all electronic music fans. It is sublime, transcendental, hypnotic, but most of all, very danceable.

Surrender is out now on  Rose Avenue and Reprise / Warner Records.

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Stream / Purchase Surrender

Surrender 
Tracklist

Next to Me
Make It Happen
See You Again
I Don’t Wanna Leave
Alive
Alive (Reprise)
On My Knees
Wildfire
Surrender (feat. Curtis Harding)
Devotion
Always 

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RÜFÜS DU SOL
2021 Summer / Fall
Festival Dates

Sat. Oct. 23 – Miami, FL – III Points Festival
Sat. Oct 30 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre
Sun. Oct. 31 – San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands Festival

RÜFÜS DU SOL
 2021 North American Fall
Tour Dates

Thu Nov 04 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre
Sat Nov 06 – Las Vegas, NV – Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
Fri Nov 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Banc of California Stadium
Sat Nov 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Banc of California Stadium
Sun Nov 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Banc of California Stadium
Thu Nov 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Thu Nov 19 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Sat Nov 20 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Sun Nov 21 – Mexico City, MX – Corona Capital

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Follow RÜFÜS DU SOL
Website – Facebook – Twitter
Instagram – Spotify – YouTube

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Press Release 22nd October 2021 (below) HERE

RÜFÜS DU SOL
release fourth studio album
‘SURRENDER’

OUT NOW

Alongside official video
‘I DON’T WANNA LEAVE’

+ ANNOUNCE JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! OCTOBER 27

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AMNPLIFY – DB