Explode from the Center

iTunes Review

Explode from the Center carries subtle stylistic vestiges of Call And Response, the harmonious quintet whose Simone Rubi and Terri Loewenthal form the core of Rubies. Like C.A.R.’s recordings, these songs balance wistful, airy folk-pop with solar dance grooves, but Rubi takes a more mature and romantic approach to song crafting here, singing with a soulfully refined finesse that blossomed between bands. Throughout Explode from the Center, a few guest musicians like Leslie Feist and members from Kings of Convenience as well as the Concretes tastefully blend in (rather than stand out) with organic sounding production that naturally braids a traditional backline with vintage analog instruments and more innovative electric soundscapes. Feist’s gossamer vocals coo under Rubi’s lilting inflections on the summery and futuristic “I Feel Electric,” a bubbling disco hit that begs to be blasted from the speakers of an intergalactic catamaran. “Silver Mornings” imports slivers of baroque pop from C.A.R.’s second album, with flowing melodies and sun-dappled imagery.