New York City based band The Ritualists released their third full-length studio album, Too Pure to Cure on April 22. The 10 track, 39 minute record combines familiar elements of goth-rock and glam-rock in a unique modern-rock context. The “Gothic Art-Rockers” collaborated with Grammy Award Winner Mario J. McNulty, who mixed and co-produced the release alongside them.
The Ritualists are comprised of vocalist and bassist Christian Dryden, keyboardist Jeffrey Andrew, guitarist David Andreana and drummer Eric Kuby. Together, the quartet are starting to make waves and have solidified their place in New York City’s underground glam-rock scene.
The Ritualists newest release is as professional as they come. “The Wake” is littered with catchy synthesizer hooks and memorable melodies. It features a flawlessly executed vocal performance, reminiscent of peak Bowie or Idol, a recurrence across all of Too Pure to Cure. “The Wake” encapsulates an 80’s -esque atmosphere infused with modern, indie twists. “As a child, time moves differently – slower, in a way. Minor events feel more dramatic or even traumatic, yet they seem to pass quicker and kids bounce back more easily,” Dryden says. “I was kind of inspired by these notions and have always loved the dark, young adult fantasy genre, which is sort of informed by these elements of childhood. This song plays with these ideas and marvels at the notion of people who are able to pull themselves out of poor situations.” According to Dryden, the single also pays homage to two inspirations from his childhood; his love for classic dark fantasy films like The Never Ending Story and the overtly pop-leaning sounds of the New Romantic era of music, such as Duran Duran and especially John Taylor’s basslines.
The album showcases multiple sides to the band, including ethereal and more introspective tracks like King of Air, and Sweet Despair, which contains a hauntingly beautiful bridge section. The title track, Too Pure to Cure also features a powerful vocal performance from Dryden, and an explosive guitar solo from Andreana. When speaking on the origins of the title track, Dryden explains, “It’s not so much a protest as it is a shoulder shrug. It’s very much a sort of declaration about knowing thyself. This is who we are. It’s either inside you or it isn’t. If it’s inside you, if it’s pure, there’s nothing that can ‘cure’ it.” The Ritualists have found their voice as artists, and they aren’t afraid to open up and show the world who they are.
Too Pure to Cure is currently available on all streaming services here.
Visit theritualists.com for more information.
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