“Ruby” is the latest single by Driftwood People and is Braden Lam’s latest excursion into the pop ecosystem. Inspired by the Ruby Mountain Range in the Yukon, this impressive production stays close to the conventions of its genre.
“I have wanted to have a band moniker for a long time. I just spent so long building my solo career and moving around that I never had the time to commit,” says Lam of transitioning to a group format in Driftwood People. “My writing process hasn’t changed much, except I am focusing on a more upbeat-pop and indie style of folk.”
The four on the floor, the optimistic climb of the chorus, the almost martial snare rolls that follow, even the promotional art — a quiet scene from the alluded mountains masked in pastel salmon — are all representative of the type of current feel-good, love-of-the-land anthems Canadians devour every summer during our inevitable road trips.
That is not to say the single brings nothing new to the conversation. The second verse introduces offset bass accents, which help variety and hint at a percussive heartbeat theme that carries through the song’s quietest moments. A surprise saxophone solo drenched in choral harmonies brings memories of late-80s TV theme songs; however, it avoids the excesses of that sound and resolves without overstaying its welcome. Rich, atmospheric keyboards and echoes keep the majesty of the subject matter front and centre. The entire production work feels deliberate in a very satisfying way, and it highlights Lam’s confident delivery without disappearing into the background.
Ruby is ultimately a song for those looking far into the horizon. Mountains, threes, flowers, rain, clouds… all make returning appearances in the lyrics and speak of the track’s more folksy roots. The point-of-view metaphor in the chorus is effective and makes for a great hook.
Before we know it the snow will melt and tires will get swapped, and we will find ourselves once more staring at the best things to come. I think at that point Ruby will become excellent travel company.