Track of the Week: 5 Seconds // Ruiz!

The brainchild of UK-based multi-instrumentalist Hugh Ruiz, Ruiz! Has a sound that can be described as eclectic. Fusing elements of electronica, dark rock, psychedelia and 60s rock, Ruiz! Is evidently genre-defying. Yet, while there is a nostalgic sound to his music, an edginess exists that connects him with modern-day audiences. Featured on The Other Side Reviews, Sinusoidal Music, RGM, Edgar Allan Poets and various playlists, Ruiz! Is reaching individuals on an international level. The latest addition to his repertoire is the single ‘5 Seconds’.

Following his single ‘Blue Mediterranean’, Ruiz! adopts a slightly more pop-focused psychedelia-infused sound in ‘5 Seconds’. Similar to his previous works, there is an etherealness to the track tossing you into a kaleidoscopic swirl of sound; however, ‘5 Seconds’ is more obscure. With some slight tinges of Coldplay and U2 here and there, the melody has a contemporary influence but, as I mentioned before, a vintage sentiment. Combining synths with live instrumentation, Ruiz! tries to find the delicate balance between organic and synthetic sound. Then again, the headiness of the mellow ambience just melds all boundaries in a complete metamorphosed melodic arrangement.

Not one to shy away from intimate themes in his music, Ruiz! touches on life, love and maladies between women, men and society. ‘5 Seconds’ looks once again at the intimate side of things, but also adds a more conceptual element in its message of “never taking things for granted”. Ruiz! shares that ‘5 Seconds’ is a single about “finding courage in a difficult situation. It could be love-related, friends, family or general life….it was inspired by broken dreams.”

While a melancholic element may exist in the sonic haze, ‘5 Seconds’ is not a melancholic tune in any way. Instead of focusing on difficult pasts, Ruiz! pushes forward and empowers people to take control of the situation. He explains that we should “never take things for granted – it could change very rapidly.”

Reflective, contemplative and poignant with happiness and empowering flair, ‘5 Seconds’ is quite addictive. If this is anything to go by, I cannot wait for more from Ruiz!