It's an attitude that lots of bands work for years trying to achieve and The Ruffles' Baby Blue Bronco makes it seem effortless. It starts with a sunny, open guitar and immediately you're somewhere sunny, with the windows down, with no need to rush to get anywhere.
The band consists of three sisters, Kenzington, Charlotte and Paris, who have grown up surrounded by music because of their own family's love for it. They don't depend on that history, however, but have created their own, and that's evident in the way this track has carried itself with confidence.
The lead singer truly gets you into the scene, making you feel like you're there. The delivery is easy and natural and only works if the story is a true one.
The song really comes alive in the chorus. Harmonies sit nicely on top of each other, the rhythm section is always on fire but never overpowering the melody, and it's always bright and open, allowing each section of the arrangement to shine through.
It's particularly notable that this was captured. The song went to Abbey Road Studios which gave it depth and character, and you can hear that in the finished recording. It is never gimmicky. It's just a band that took their own song seriously enough to do right.
Lyrically, it is universal; it is the first feeling of freedom driving a car, but never is it imposed or over-written. It's specific in nature so that it feels personal, but open so that everyone can see themselves in it.
This one left me feeling good; don't get me wrong, I don't often say that. Baby Blue Bronco is happy, well crafted and heartfelt. It's a band with a long road ahead with the Ruffles sound and it is a road well worth taking.
