Johan Ruborg has never been one to shy away from embracing his influences. Since his debut in the mid-2010s, the Swedish singer/songwriter has proudly worn his heartland rock heroes on his sleeve, channelling the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits with his gravelly vocals and rugged guitar work. But with his sixth studio album, 'New Laws Of The Jungle', Ruborg doesn't just wear those influences, he inhabits them, crafting a raw and powerful collection of songs that feel both familiar and fiercely original.
The album kicks off with a couple of knockout punches. The title track is a pure shot of adrenaline, all snarling guitars and Ruborg’s vocals at their most ferocious. It’s a statement of intent, setting the tone for what’s to come. Then there’s ‘Don't Stand In My Way’, which brings a rough-hewn country blues vibe to the table. The guitar riff is like a jagged edge, and Ruborg’s voice has an extra layer of grit that perfectly complements it.
But it's not all about full-throttle rock. ‘When A New Morning Breaks’ offers a change of pace, stripping things back to let Ruborg’s vocals take centre stage. There’s a real melodic quality here, showing a different side to his talent. And then there’s ‘Hurt Me Till I Love You’, which is arguably the album’s most emotionally charged moment. Just Ruborg, his acoustic guitar, and a palpable sense of longing – it’s a truly captivating performance.
Even amidst the heavier, more intense tracks like ‘Cruel Mercy’ and ‘Buried Alive’, Ruborg never loses sight of the emotional core of his songwriting. He’s not afraid to explore the darker side of life, tackling themes of love, loss, and redemption with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. He dives headfirst into these complex emotions with a deft touch, never shying away from the grit and the pain.
The album finds a moment of quiet resolution with its closing track, ‘Followed By The Rain’. It’s a gentle acoustic number that provides a sense of closure, a perfect ending to a record that showcases the full spectrum of Ruborg’s artistry. It leaves the listener with a feeling of catharsis, having journeyed through the highs and lows of human experience.
'New Laws Of The Jungle' is a testament to his growth as an artist, proving that he can rock with the best of them while also delivering moments of quiet intimacy. This is Johan Ruborg at his most raw, honest, and compelling.
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