purepleaer is Bryan M. Newruck with angelic and spiritual assistance from the following people: Andrew J. Matheney, B. Jill Hess, Natalie Kay, David F. Bello, Billy Zwiener, Daniel Zwiener, Dilip Chaldran, Jason Henry, Darling Dome, and the Chorus of Whores.
Influences
Legiao Urbana, the Smiths, New Order, Bloc Party, Radiohead, Starflyer 59, the Clash, Psychedelic Furs, Chin Up Chin Up, Beatles, David Bowie, Velvet Underground, Animal Collective, Spiritualized, Marisa Monte, 50's and early 60's, Motown, and soul
.. width="425" height="350">..>
Sounds Like
Losing the sprinkles on your ice cream cone to the pavement.
"Described as “Other/Indie” on its MySpace page, Morgantown-native musical act Purepleaser recently created its third album “Escravo.”
Purepleaser, a kind of one-man-band, was formed by singer/songwriter Bryan Newruck. Prior to producing his own act, Newruck played drums in the long-established local band Sandra Black.
According to Sandra Black’s band biography on its MySpace page, Newruck left the band for a time to go to California. After coming back to West Virginia, Newruck returned to the band, this time as its guitarist and back up vocalist.
Newruck’s solo work as Purepleaser reflects an eclectic sound inspired by artists ranging from The Smiths and The Clash, to The Beatles and Radiohead. Though the page offers little insight into the creative process of them, the five tracks featured are each intricately layered and unique.
From the fun, punk feel of “Collected” to the mellow acoustic sound of “Get Yer Christ On,” Newruck seems to have mastered the art of subtlety mixing musical genres. The element of surprise is what accents Purepleaser’s songs. Newruck’s use of electronics, like sounds of trills, bells and handclaps, is peppered throughout the tracks and gives them an unexpected yet totally welcome twist.
While reversed playbacks and tempo and key changes make all five songs interesting and listenable, it is the quality and tone in Newruck’s voice that sets Purepleaser’s sound apart from the norm. Lacing Newruck’s ethereal, David Bowie-esque vocals over heavy drums, pop riffs and smooth guitar creates a currently unrivaled tone.
The most fascinating and rare quality apparent on the tracks is Newruck’s vocal adaptability. His voice sounds like a lighter version of The Cure’s Robert Smith in “Your Eyes Are Mine When I Am Dreaming,” but takes on a different sound in other tracks.
From the breathy tones used in “Get Yer Christ On” to the scratchy sound of “There’s Something On the Floor,” Newruck uses his voice like a varied instrument, channelling emotion into the quirky yet genuine lyrics and multi-genred compositions.
Purepleaser’s MySpace page fills its corners with few explanations behind its music, only thanking any musicians involved in the production of “Escravo.” Even the blog entries only mention other artists that Newruck feels deserve recognition. With 15 videos documenting California graffiti and no recent photos, it is clear that the aim of Purepleaser’s page is to let the music, and art as a whole, speak for itself."~Shelley Davidov, Daily Athenaeum, March 20th, 2008
Thanks man, I actually really like your stuff as well. The production is really good. There was a copy in regular rotation not too long ago, so it might be in the local music section now.
