FANTASTIC FOREMAN-FLAVORED FOLLOW-UP

There’s a young Jon Foreman peeking through the curtain while Ruth’s sophomore album, Anorak, plays the main stage. It’s found in front man and namesake Dustin Ruth’s “yes, ma’am” pleasant delivery. It’s apparent in the budding potential on songs both electric and acoustic. It’s clear in the lyricism of yearning and belonging here that’s also quite prevalent on most Switchfoot albums.

Secondhand Dreaming, the Aaron Sprinkle produced debut, was a fine enough foundation—a decently forgettable album with a couple highlights (see “Mr. Turner”) but primarily ’90s alt-rock retreads. It was a young man playing it safe and crafting what he knows will work. Lucky for us, Dustin Ruth & Co. decided to have a real go at it the second time around.

Anorak completely trumps Ruth’s debut on all counts—from the songwriting to the musicianship and back again. The songs here are tight, mature and entirely enjoyable. “Back to the Five” rides a clever pulse toward an electric chorus that wonderfully utilizes Dustin’s falsetto. “Dead Giveaway” sounds like one of Foreman’s recent solo tracks as a dusty, front porch Americana cut that’s a tender, terrific song. “Nothing to Hide” is emotional and triumphant and features slight Death Cab for Cutie leanings. It’s the perfect show closer and is the most memorable track on an album full of them.

Before this, Ruth was simply one of several “could have been something” bands. Now their time has arrived. Anorak will be, without a doubt, one of 2008’s finest releases. Foreman would be proud. –Matt Conner