Rufio – Anybody Out There – Review

Release Date: July 27th, 2010
Record Label: The Militia Group
Genre: Pop Rock

It’s been nine long years since I first heard Rufio‘s first effort, “Perhaps, I Suppose,” which transformed my musical tastes in an age of traditional punk rock like Blink 182 and Green Day. Time and time again, Rufio would inject addictive hooks, melodic guitars, and a swift sugar-sweet rock — elevating my love for technical fretwork, as well as my affection for catchy rock. And after releasing Nitro Records-backed sophomore and junior records, “MCMLXXXV” and “The Comfort Of Home” respectively, a three year hiatus (five without a new record), and two line up changes with their new drummer Terry Stirling Jr. (Drive A), and bassist Taylor Albaugh, this once inexperienced pop rock outfit has made a skillful reentry with their latest full-length “Anybody Out There.”

The key to Rufio‘s previous success, was their never-relenting punk pace, Clark Domae‘s undeniably melodic guitars, and Scott Sellers‘ smooth, well-ranging vocals. And while I didn’t get too attached to “The Comfort Of Home” — the bands recent EP “The Loneliest” and “Anybody Out There“ feel like spiritual successors to the Rufio‘s earlier works. This was a sigh of relief for me, as I hoped they could make a potent return with an effort that was both catchy and technical. Which is something you will quickly notice when you start the albums opener “Little World,” which kicks in with readied enthusiasm, sharper vocals from both Scott and now Taylor, as well as a cleaner production this time around from Jon Kaplan (Hollywood Undead, Jonas Bros).

As the album continues songs like “Under 18,” “What You Wanna Hear,” and the high-gear “All That Lasts,” all stir up memories from “White Lights“-era Rufio – but instead of reusing old set pieces and styles, the band has simply used their old material as a blueprint, while the newly acquired talent and increased musical maturity has lead to a much more rounded set of tracks then before. Much of the other songs don’t follow any sort of previous Rufio formula, but are stand out pop rock tracks all their own — often dethroning current popular rock band singles while doing it. Plainly, “Anybody Out There” is pretty easy to pick-up whether you know who the band is or not. At least you’ll know that you are investing your listening time into a band that isn’t just zombie power chords and empty lyrics, and instead features layered melodic guitars, and relatable lyrics about growing up.

My only gripes with this record, involve its closing track “Moonshine,” which is a complete detachment from the other up-beat 95% of the record — and feels like a by-the-numbers acoustic radio song about loss, with none of the Rufio charm that made emotional heart-string songs such as “Face The Truth” and ”Tears” so remarkable. Also the fact that these guys are almost in their 30′s and are still talking about dramatic love and loss, most closely related to high-school (see “Under 18″). They need to grow up and realize that mature love and loss doesn’t exist, as our conscience and dreams die by the time we are 29.

Besides my aimless complaints, “Anybody Out There” is a return to what Rufio does best — which is making one hell of a catchy and thorough pop rock effort. So with a spoonful of energy from past efforts, meticulous fretwork mixed with swooning hooks, and a charming genuine tone that hasn’t been matched since they left the game, Rufio is rightfully awaiting your ears (maybe your wallets) so that you will have another Summer guilty pleasure, which leaves you feeling no guilt. It’s the easiest decision to make. Pick it up.

Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:
1. Little World
2. Drunk In Love
3. Under 18
4. What You Wanna Here
5. Deep End
6. Gold and Silver
7. Anybody Out There
8. All That Lasts
9. This I Swear
10. The Loneliest
11. Run
12. Moonshine