Where should I begin with these guys? Maybe I should start by explaining that they were a gateway to an infinitely wide ocean of great new music that I would have never discovered without their influence. Or maybe that they put on the most fun live shows I’ve ever seen. Or maybe that they created an album that defined and continues to define my experiences growing up. Any way you look at it, Born Ruffians is a band that I have grown with. Their music captures an essence of downright jubilance and relatability that I haven’t observed in any other music at any time in my life. Songs they have written work as soundtracks to different memories and vignettes that are burned into my brain with an undying fondness.

The first time I heard “Badonkadonkey” I was jammed in the back of a friend’s car on the way to Taco Bell with everyone around me screaming along to the song. “Little Garcon” has become the anthem for me and my friends from home. The thought of leaving for college back then had me playing the song on a loop. “Oh Man” became the drunken campfire song of choice with three of my friends on acoustic guitar every time, “This Sentence Will Ruin/Save Your Life” inspired the name of my very first college radio show. And most recently, “So Slow” off of their newest album simultaneously fills me with bizarre nostalgia and the haunting realization that my college experience is already halfway over. The strong influence that Born Ruffians has had over the sensory experiences in my life, along with having seen them perform upwards of nine times are what made the studio session so exciting for me.

The Ruffians are a four-piece Canadian Indie Rock band with explosive pop sensibilities. The band is made up of Luke Lalonde on guitar and vocals, Mitch DeRosier on bass, Steve Hamelin on drums and Andy Lloyd on keyboards and rhythm guitar. Luke, Mitch and Steve have been playing music together since high school and as Born Ruffians they have released three amazing full-length studio albums and a handful of equally awesome EPs. Andy Lloyd (formerly of Caribou) joined the band around the time of their second studio release and has since been touring with them. If you haven’t heard their new album Birthmarks yet, definitely check it out.

It’s a huge leap from their previous records in a direction not many people (including myself) expected. On Birthmarks, the Ruffians take their eccentric indie rock sound and slap it sideways with an ambiance that is perfect for 2013. Synth arppegiation, Glitzy electronics and prominent vocal effects adorn Birthmarks with a prowess that makes it seem like this has been their approach from the start. In addition to a total shift in sound, the Ruffians’ songwriting has blossomed on this album into something much more expansive. Melodic themes, lyrical ties between songs and a definitive arc from beginning to end showcase the breadth and depth of the the band’s abilities. This album is a rebirth and a re-imaging of their old style in a way that is socially relevant, musically interesting and fun as hell.

When the Ruffians arrived for the session, they were having trouble with their van and didn’t have too much time before their show in D.C. scheduled at the Rock & Roll Hotel later that night. They decided last minute that a solo set with Luke would be a better way to go. Although I was slightly let down at first that they all couldn’t perform, I’m extremely glad now that I got to hear a stripped down take on their new songs. Luke quickly worked out some acoustic arrangements and then played some fantastic solo renditions of “Ocean’s Deep” and “With her Shadow” off of Birthmarks as well as “A Great Man” and “Undone” off of his recently released solo album, Rhythymnals.

Luke opened with “Ocean’s Deep” and knocked the tempo down considerably giving the song a lethargic heartbrokenness, which was different from the upbeat, “in your face” mood of the studio version. “A Great Man” probably sounded most similar to the original version. Soft endearing vocals, smooth guitar and an enchanting whistling section make this song an awesome end to Luke’s solo album in addition to an incredible pick for our studio session. Between songs Luke talked about his touring and playing solo material, encouraged people to “pick up a copy of Birthmarks for their mom,” and admitted to often switching the second and third verses of “A Great Man.”

Mitch jokingly heckled him about the acoustic arrangements and helped decide what he should play next. On “With Her Shadow,” the interesting chord structure stood out stronger than it does on the album and I connected more to the song than I ever had with previous listens. Luke crooned gracefully above the muted riff and even hummed the guitar solo.

The final (and possibly my favorite) track Luke did was “Undone.” As the lead single off of Rhythymnals, Undone is a song dripping with vocal layering, crashing synths and electronic drums. The acoustic version Luke performed was much more different, substituting the electronic eruptive chorus for a much more subtly brilliant one of gorgeous staccato chords. The vocals blended perfectly, starting low and clear before quickly escalating into Luke’s distinct, warbly upper register. Even with no vocal effects, Luke’s incredibly unique voice is flawless, sliding between octaves and delivering melodies in a way I haven’t heard anyone else do it.

Luke, along with the rest of the Born Ruffians tap into something unbelievable with their music. The sheer emotion and excitement in their simplicity is one of their greatest strengths and my favorite aspects of their records. I’m so happy and thankful that they stopped by the WVAU studio and can’t wait to see and hear more greatness from these dudes in the future!