In March 2021, THE RUMJACKS released their fifth studio album โHestiaโ, rejuvenating the bands collaborative spirit, and marking an explosive new era of energy and creative release. โHestiaโ introduced new singer and songwriter Mike Rivkees on lead vocals, heralding a refreshing evolution for the band that connected fans old and new. The album was an unmitigated success, both critically and artistically, and signified a fresh page in the story of The Rumjacks.
Invigorated by the release of โHestiaโ, The Rumjacks quickly went back into the studio to record โBrass for Goldโ EP, capitalising off their new sense of artistry. โAfter the amazing response we had from Hestiaโs release, we knew we had to back it up, do it justice and show we arenโt messing around with any of thisโ bassist Johnny McKelvey said โI guess while COVID โslowed everyone downโ it just made us want to work harder, record more music, plan and think ahead to when all this mess ended that would be ahead in every wayโ.
The resulting EP a clear representation of a band finding a new voice and making sure that voice is heard as loud as possible. Grounded by the eclectic Celtic punk sound that The Rumjacks have become synonymous with, โBrass for Goldโ sees the band dig deeper into their ska and hard rock influences, all the while holding onto the defiant energy that ignites their sound.
While โHestiaโ had the band conquering a global pandemic in order to record, โBrass for Goldโ saw the boys united in person for the first time. Producing a sound that is seamless and cohesive.
โBrass for Gold is as much as an EP can possibly offer and still be called an EP. In true Rumjacker fashion, these songs represent a variety of different stories. The topics range from lovesick nostalgia, to misfortunate war heroes, and a few lighthearted drinking songs for good measureโ Rivkees said โWhile some EPโs tend to be quite experimental, Brass for Gold represents a solid continuation of the newly reformed Rumjacks. Once again stating (almost literally in some of the lyrics) we are passionate and dedicated songwritersโ.
From the raucous comradery of first single โOne For The Roadโ to the crashing crescendo of โBlinding Flashesโ to the confident sentimentality of โFalling Backโ, the cumulative energy of โBrass for Goldโ sees the band communicate one thing loud and clear.
First single is โOne For The Roadโ, a traditional sounding belter with the energy youโd expect from this new era of The Rumjacks.
The song is a story of an escaped prisoner in the 1920โs riding the rails until he reaches the pacific ocean and starts a new life in California. For anyone escaping frigid winters and soul draining work conditions the lyrics would still relate to our protagonistโs contemporary counterparts, โWith all the phony friends youโre makinโ and the smiles that youโre fakinโ- it beats the life you left back in the snowโ.
