Eighty Ninety - “Ruins”
Photo by Eric T. White
Brooklyn-based Eighty Ninety have just released the lavishly textured and reflective indie pop song, “Ruins.”
“Ruins” is built around a stripped-back acoustic guitar groove, which has, in places, a slight dissonant feel. This backbone complements the contemplative lyrics whilst leaving space for other musical textures to truly immerse the listener. The track is propelled forward almost relentlessly by a rugged drum beat, only pausing during well-placed dynamic breaks that create a satisfying ebb and flow.
As the song progresses, the drums have a growing sense of dynamics, whilst more layers, such as warm piano, additional acoustic guitar, and mellow synths, wrap the arrangement with a sense of intensity, rawness, and reflection. The song’s vocals are delivered with a gentle urgency. This lends an intimate quality and heightens the emotional impact of the lyrics. Subtle layers of backing vocals provide width, whilst elevating key areas with lush harmonies.
Eighty Ninety explain the meaning behind the track: “‘Ruins’ is a reflection the past, the choices we didn’t make and the ‘what ifs’ that still linger,” the duo explain. “We wanted to capture the ache of those missed opportunities and unspoken words, and to reflect on our youth and the ruins we all carry with us. The rest of the album also explores how we shape our lives on the foundations of those ruins and their enduring impact on who we become.”
“Ruins“ is a richly textured indie pop song that has a truly immersive feel. If the soothing vocals and unrelenting grooves leave you wanting more, put a reminder in your calendar for the December 15th, when Eighty Ninety release their debut album.