Michigan legends Frontier Ruckus return with the first single off their upcoming album of the same name “On The Northline” (due out February 16 and can be pre-ordered via Head Records). I’ll admit like a lot of bands I listened to at the time, I fell off of Frontier Ruckus a bit. I was into them and able to see them live somewhere in the 2012-2015 range (sorry I have a terrible memory). I shouldn’t have ,fallen off that is, because Frontier Ruckus are pure Michigan gems. I started listening again last year and thoroughly enjoyed Matthew Millia’s solo efforts on his fantastic album Keego Harbor. Anyways, folk rock legends with an eclectic and unique style due to, well, all the talent.
From the folky intro “On The Northline” weaves a lovely quilt of thumpy drums, smooth basslines, and melancholy horns on top of the percussive guitar and always fantastic banjo. Millia’s lyrics are fascinating, sorrowful, and darkly catchy as always; no doubt being worthy of further examination when the album releases. The production is smooth and conveys depth worthy of headphones, and I’m quite pleased with how audible and warm the bass is especially when the horns kick in. It’s a warm and comforting sound despite the sadness that seems to sit underneath. You know, like a quilt.
Given the single, and their previous excellent body of work, I’m pretty excited for this upcoming album. It’s fucking rad to see adults with other lives still come together and make amazing music.
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