RUB Shines and Calls For Change With “Open Up Your Eyes”
There’s something about a track that makes you feel like you want to move on a dance floor. I remember being at a new wave night in LA when “Blue Monday” by New Order started playing. Every person in the club was suddenly on the floor, moving as the synths slowly streamed in and those first punchy guitar notes hit.
As I listened to RUB’s new single, “Open Up Your Eyes,” I couldn’t help but feel that same irresistible urge to take to a dance floor. The track glimmers with beautiful vocal harmonies and an infectious groove that makes you want to move. Formed in 2022, RUB is a powerhouse that fuses synth-pop with elements of rock, R&B, and soul. They are a real Seattle supergroup, comprising former and current all-star members of Trick Candles, Salt Lick, Acid Tongue, NighTraiN, Killer Workout, Cute Lepers, and Panama Gold. They cite New Order as one of their influences, and you can definitely hear the nods to the new-wave greats.
The song opens with a kaleidoscope of Malia Seavey’s shimmering keys and synths. It picks up right away with the entrance of Shaun Crawford’s smooth bass lines, Robbie Luna’s tight guitar (drenched in what feels like a classic 80’s tone), and Bob Husak’s steady percussion. The dreamy groove carries through to the chorus where vocalist Princella Ray calls, “Open up your eyes/I’m tryna connect with you/Never can it change if we don’t commit to something new,” backed by the blissful harmonies of Taryn René Dorsey and Seavey.
As the track ascends you can feel there is a powerful call to reach for something higher. The first verse describes a world that’s hesitant and “fueled by fear.” As it continues, it becomes progressively more hopeful, recognizing that the old ways will not bring change. Ray sings, “You’re gonna be those ones/who work together to get things done,” noting that we all must work together to bring change and collectively stand against injustice.
RUB will be releasing their new album on May 10th; celebrating with a release show that night at the Tractor Tavern alongside Midnight High, Chinese American Bear, and DJ Marco Collins. Hope to see you all on the floor!