Twenty years ago, singer and guitarist Luke Lalonde, bassist Mitch DeRosier, and drummer Steve Hamelin came together to create Born Ruffians and established themselves within Toronto’s music scene. After a short hiatus, they are back with new work that marks a refresh and revival for the group, along with new addition Maddy Wilde on guitar, keys, and vocals.

Throughout their career, Born Ruffians have shifted in styles with the ever-changing music industry. Most recently they have evolved into a mash-up of the best of their previous works plus experimental electronic elements, creating an entirely new sound for the band.

The recording of Beauty’s Pride began in the summer of 2023, coinciding with Lalonde’s becoming a dad. The record was inspired by this life change and tackles the complexities of navigating life and appreciating every moment.

Scaling synths, electronic drums, and building percussion set the tone with first track “Mean Time.” The vibey, sonic 80’s, pop-rock anthem is drum and bass meets disco. There is a false ending before the track peters out.

Next up is track “To Be Seen,” which delivers on more interesting percussion and beats, accompanied by raw electric guitar. This one leans more indie-rock/pop, boasting a catchy hook and quieter moments to emphasize Lalonde’s impressive vocals.

A stand-out track on the reocrd is “What A Ride,” which is reminicent of Death Cab for a Cutie. The song is playful with tone and tempo, with some simplicity in the lines. I enjoyed the lyric ‘some things never change, I hope I do.’ There is a cheeky rebelliousness to the track, paired with its cool ambience and energy.

The band has fun with birdy interludes and shorter tracks such as “All My Life,” which is 1 minute and 58 seconds of a breezy, tranquil soundscape. Very arty “The Knowing Is Easy,” is another shorter track that strips things down with simple strings before a suprising end. Perhaps a pallet cleanser or emotional catharsis, or both?

We get a taste of classic rock /alt-rock, 90’s rock, 80’s pop-punk with track “Athena.” The production seems very intentional, with world music elements, funky textures, and unique vocal filters.

Each song on Beauty’s Pride is unique in its approach, instrumentation, and build, yet the songs are cohesive in their experimental voices and there is a consistent theme of finding a balance and staying authentic to the Born Ruffians style.

Psych-pop, chill-hop track “Can We Go Now,” is a track written and sung by Maddy Wilde who joined the band in 2022. This song is the first ever Born Ruffian’s track not written by Lalonde and features Wilde’s vocal, coupled with vintage 8-bit bleeps and bloops.

My favorite song off the record, the final and title track “Beauty’s Pride,” is more indie rock, with evocative finger style guitar, and electronic pop keys. The record ends with a sweet final note – the cooing from Lalonde’s new baby. Lalonde asks “what do you think Louie?” and the response is a gurgle of approval.

Drawing from a broad variety of influences and inspirations, Beauty’s Pride blends characteristics of indie-rock, dancey electronics, pop, drum and bass, and singer-songwriter introspection. Each song is not unlike life – you never know what you’re going to get.

Order Beauty’s Pride by Born Ruffians HERE