Teaming up with well known London promoter Mick Monsta for this European tour, My Ruin tonight hit The Scala in Kings Cross – a notable step up from Camden’s Underworld back in March last year – ostensibly touring new (and also free – more on that later) album, A Southern Revelation.
But like any good My Ruin show, that’s not the whole story, there’s always plenty else going on. Such as vocalist Tarrie B’s birthday celebrations – ok, it was a few days ago and she spent it in Glasgow, but she somehow convinces London that we’re celebrating it tonight, and we’re the one that really matters. Shucks, I bet she says that to all the major metropolises, but it still makes London blush. And scream.
Pure Rawkers of old may well remember Godsized, along for this tour with Sanctorum and Long Day Fear (it seems so rare these days to have a four band touring lineup – or is that just me?), who ply their big solid stoner rock sound with skill as main supports tonight. They’ve certainly come quite a way since those nights at the Purple Turtle.
Taking the stage to a rapturous welcome that few could really deny them after so many years of hard slog, My Ruin nevertheless struggle a bit initially to make that all important connection – as so many have done playing such a big space as the Scala – the songs impressive, but somehow a bit mechanical at first. But, as Tarrie begins to talk to the crowd, she manages to bridge that gap and make the audience realise all over again that, really, this does matter.
Much has been said and written already about the unique relationship My Ruin have with their fans, but somehow they do manage to engage the audience as equals, without it ever feeling trite or contrived. There’s a real honesty of feeling with this band onstage that from anyone else would seem forced, but somehow seems right and meets the songs head on, giving real context to the sounds you’re hearing.
Which brings us neatly to the meat of the set, new album A Southern Revelation, nestling in nicely with the assorted Ruin classics (why did I go pee just in time to miss Blasphemous Girl? Why?!). Described variously as a ‘gift to the fans’ and ‘a big fuck you to the last record company’, the band have released this album entirely free for download, in almost any format you fancy. Not unheard of these days perhaps – but still a pretty bold statement for a band out there doing it for themselves, and if you’re not sick of this motif yet, another sign of the strong bond between band and fan.
After more than 12 years in the business, and through more scrapes with success and disaster than any band have any right to claim, My Ruin are still going strong, and if anything, are on the up. Long may it continue.
Get the album for FREE from www.myruin.net, and if you’re quick there’s still a few UK dates left on this tour to see them for yourself.
Photos by Scott Chalmers (www.scottchalmersphotography.co.uk)
