Although not considered one of the most notable breeding grounds for musical pedigree, the industrial town of Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire is home to some of today’s most refreshing and exciting rock prospects, brothers Henry (22) and Rupert (23) Ruen, better known as Ruen Brothers.
Their sound is hard to pin down, but in the best possible way; tracks like “Walk like a Man” incorporate a cool, fast-paced swagger reminiscent of the best Miles Kane or The Black Keys work, whilst the raw jump up guitar riffs of “Blood Runs Wild” gloriously reverberate somewhere between The Vaccines and The Damned. Along with some of the most captivatingly unique lead vocals -of which some have dared to liken to Roy Orbison- this new, yet confidently accomplished style transmits a wisdom way beyond their young years. If any song is going to kick down the door and announce this lot to the world as a band, this is the one.
Having made a lot of noise in the U.K, endorsed by respected tastemakers like Rick Rubin and credited with Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record in The World on BBC Radio 1, the pair look set to make their mark on the U.S after recently signing with Republic Records.
Young they may be, but this is no overnight success story. They’ve played everywhere: the grim and the glam, from the rough pubs of Scunny and London to Reading/Leeds Festival, SXSW and more. Ruen Brothers have earned their stripes and honed their sound to rapturous response; the pair are sure to reap the rewards in due course. You can stream “Blood Runs Wild” below via the band’s Soundcloud. Watch this space.