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royal ruckus is awesome.
Royal Ruckus - S/T
Imagine a dorkier John Reuben, with crushes on Mandy Moore and Nelly Furtado, ousting Shifty Shellshock out of Crazytown in hope that the result will fit in the void left somewhere between Paul's Boutique-era Beastie Boys, Jurassic 5 and L.A. Symphony, albeit with a comically antic stage show to rival Five Iron Frenzy and full knowledge that most of their gigs will be played to church youth group attendees. That potentially disastrous recipe pans out surprisingly well for Caucasian rap'n'song duo Royal Ruckus. It's tough not to give it up for an act self-deprecating enough to entitle a song "Geeky Music for Kids," even if they're a year or so late to make a ditty called "Let's Start a Boy Band." Most revelatory, however, is the poignantly melancholy "My Friend," where they proffer a dance/alt rock vibe that would do New Order proud. Overall, the godliness shines through the goofiness in a way that isn't preachy, but still reveals the band's ministerial element. Get past the too-cute cover art, and Royal Ruckus delivers articulate fun with heart on sleeve and tongue in cheek. [FLICKER] JAMIE LEE RAKE
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