Songs dealing with the real and the unreal… at the same time.
On the track ‘Phantasmagoria’ Anthony Ruptak sings, “Well it’s a crazy goddamn hell of a mess we made/ it’s a cheap-shot, tik tok, weapon of mass decay/ it’s a blue pill, phone bill, throwing it all away/ it’s a crazy goddamn hell of a mess we made.” The track is a fine example of his thought-provoking lyrics, fine musicianship and a voice that might split opinion.
Andrew Frolish did a fine job promoting the video for the single ‘Ptarmigan’ and included some excellent background information on Anthony Ruptak’s new album “Tourist”. Ruptak wrote the songs for this album in response to his experiences working as a paramedic on the streets of Denver. It helps to explain the ambulance on the cover by the artist Erin Joy. When not performing, Ruptak has been around the Denver music scene for a long time, splitting his time working as a city paramedic (“a front-row seat to American suffering”) or disappearing into the wilderness with his wife and dog. The contrast couldn’t be greater, what Ruptak witnesses on the city streets to the cathartic experiences he seeks in the backcountry. This explains the song titles crossing lines between society (like ‘Trauma Naked’) and nature (‘Ptarmigan’).
Ruptak has been ably supported by Matt Tanner on drums, Daniel Stephenson on bass, Caleb Tardio on guitar and keys, Jakey Wherry on synth and keys, while the “meandering” flute on ‘Ptarmigan’ was played by Katy Wherry. Recording, mixing and production have been well handled by Rich G at the Ghosthouse. Ruptak recently released this album on vinyl at Denver’s Hi-Dive with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.
Ruptak’s social commentary is powerful stuff. The title track ‘Tourist’ has some interesting drum and bass along with a Bowie-like wail. His view of the city laid bare already, “Everyone is on the mend/ Or on the hustle”. Stand out track ‘Trauma Naked’ has a great band sound, sugar coating some very heavy lyrics. Ruptak’s been called down some streets. ‘Shitshow’, ‘Phantasmagoria’ and ‘Is This Life’ are excellent heartfelt tracks written from that front-row seat. On how many shifts did Ruptak use his words, “I’ve had it/ I wanna go home/ Is this real life?”
In contrast, nature spills out the back door of that ambulance on the album cover. ‘Ptarmigan’ and ‘Bluebird’ get stripped back. The flute and strings are allowed to fly. Ruptak is out of the city. On ‘Bluebird’, he concludes, “Nothing bad or broken/ To define”.
On Ruptak’s webpage, the words “Making Music for the Apocalypse” are boldly displayed. ‘OXNM’ is a good tune despite the destructive mood. Penultimate track ‘Greed’ is another deceptively lovely track, with wind and brass, that packs a mighty lyrical punch. Ruptak’s anger and disbelief regrettably peter out by ‘Lenny’s Rest’. Not the ending you want.
That blue pill? A reference to the Matrix? A choice between two realities: accepting a painful but true understanding of the world, or remaining in blissful ignorance within a simulated reality. Ruptak’s songs are not dystopian; they respectfully soundtrack American suffering. He deserves a listen. Elsewhere on his webpage, Ruptak says, “Social media sucks”. Respect. Pill-wise, Ruptak’s a red.
