7/10

Chicago’s Ruby have burst onto the scene with a self-titled EP that feels like stepping into a neon-soaked dream, where vintage hooks and big-hearted melodies rule the night. Built around the songwriting instincts and guitar wizardry of George Georgevich, this five-track offering is a love letter to 80s stadium rock, dressed up with a fresh, contemporary sheen that keeps it firmly rooted in today’s playlists.

Right from the opening notes of '26', Ruby make it clear they’re here to fill a void by bringing back the anthemic spirit that many artists have shied away from in favour of minimalism. Tracks like 'Flashback' and 'Stay' stand out with towering guitar solos that wouldn’t feel out of place echoing through an arena, while synth flourishes and driving basslines provide a modern pulse underneath.

Lyrically, Ruby avoid heavy-handed commentary and instead focus on universal themes, such as longing, escape, and the thrill of losing yourself in a song. The simplicity of their words invites us to sing along, and get lost in the wave of sound and memory. It’s this combination of big feelings and even bigger hooks that makes the EP so addictive.

With upcoming live shows in the months ahead, Ruby are poised to take this EP from headphones to stage lights, and you get the sense that’s exactly where these songs belong. With 'Ruby', the band delivers an irresistible fusion of retro and right-now, reminding us that sometimes, all you need is a great melody, a searing solo, and a chorus that hits like a tidal wave.