Released on June 20th, 2025, Ruyi is the fourth EP from Minus Hero, a band that formed in Rome in 2019 and is now split between the Italian capital and Amsterdam. Known for their diverse mix of shoegaze, emo, punk rock, and grunge, Minus Hero blends ’90s nostalgia with raw emotion and introspection that rings a bell. Their sound reflects an ongoing evolution, with Ruyi offering a deeper, more contemplative take on their previous work.
The EP’s title, Ruyi, refers to a Chinese restaurant the band members frequented when together in town. The name also carries deeper significance: in Chinese, “Ruyi” can mean “satisfied, pleased, happy, comfortable,” or even “may your wishes come true” when used as a verb. This sense of fulfillment and contentment resonates through the EP’s four tracks, all tied together by themes of hope, self-realization, and an honest reevaluation of what we need in life. In an era where capitalist pressures often push for constant self-improvement and accumulation, Ruyi offers a gentle reminder to appreciate what we already have.
In a message from the band, they explain that Ruyi explores these themes while continuing to draw influence from their idols—Dinosaur Jr., Hüsker Dü, Samiam, Jawbreaker, and others—but with a distinct shift this time: “slower, deeper but yet poppier somehow.”
In an age where chasing the next best thing seems to be the norm, Ruyi offers a welcome antidote—inviting us to find satisfaction in the present and to see our lives in a more meaningful light.
The EP was recorded at Loops Studio in Latina, Italy, the band’s hometown, just like all their other releases. The band likes to think of the studio engineer as the fifth member of Minus Hero, as he often brings a fresh perspective to the sound, sometimes knowing exactly what it needs even better than they do.
Here’s a track-by-track breakdown that explains it better.
Here
The opening track, Here, begins the journey of reflection with a deep sense of isolation and quiet observation. “While writing the opening track, I imagined myself on a boat, in the middle of the sea, far from any connection,” the band shares. “The rain is pouring, and I am watching it, thinking that if I weren’t there, no one could have heard the sound of it.” The song conveys the serenity of being alone with one’s thoughts, contemplating a seemingly endless cycle of water pouring on water. The narrator feels both numb and serene, a sensation that aligns with the EP’s theme of accepting what is, in contrast to striving for more. Initially placed at the end of the EP, it was swapped with [Burrito], a track with more intense feedback that could be hard to absorb as an opening. Here encapsulates the album’s core message: “appreciation of what we already have.”
Deaf
Deaf continues the reflective mood, shifting the narrative into a moment of personal realization. The song is about the frustration of feeling unfulfilled, despite having everything one could need. “It was a moment when I was deeply frustrated with how things were going in my life, especially at my job, as well as in relation to my partner,” the band explains. This frustration is echoed in the lyrics: “I was ‘deaf’ to the fact that I already had everything I needed.” It’s a reminder of how easy it is to overlook the good things in our lives while we focus on what we don’t have. This sense of “deafness” to life’s blessings connects directly to the EP’s overarching message of self-awareness and appreciating the present.
Dumb
Following the realization of Deaf, Dumb deals with the consequences of missed opportunities and lost time. “This song is the natural progression/continuation of [Deaf],” the band notes. It explores the emptiness of regret—how time spent dwelling on what’s been lost is ultimately just more time wasted. The line “How hard it can be to allow yourself to smile? Ain’t just easier to start to live than trying?” encapsulates the track’s message: Life moves on, and so must we.
The song presents a powerful challenge to listeners to start living fully rather than clinging to what could have been. With a catchy yet emotional progression, Dumb serves as a cathartic release in the EP’s thematic flow.
Burrito
The final track, Burrito, explores the emotionally charged experience of living alongside someone going through a difficult period in their life. The lyrics reflect the fear, confusion, and helplessness that come with seeing a loved one suffer: “You’re scared, unsure of how to respond in case of an emergency, and afraid of every small warning sign.” Yet, despite the fear, there is also resilience. The partner in the song knows how to cope, and the narrator must learn to stay calm and be there for them. The sea becomes a metaphor for the struggle, while the air is life itself. The track portrays how even in the darkest moments, everything can become lighter. The DIY, stop-motion video that accompanies the track further enhances the personal, intimate tone of the song.
Initially released in a tape split with the shoegaze band Swear, Burrito reflects a key turning point on the EP. It captures the essence of the album’s underlying theme: acknowledging the simplicity and importance of life’s core moments. The track closes the circle of thoughts around what is truly important, giving listeners an honest, emotional perspective on life’s struggles and growth.
