Ryder

Ryder Live

By Jay Oakley

 Ryder is a DIY, driving rock band from New York City. They’re built around guitar tone and unique, deep lyrical phrasing. They’ve returned with Ryder Live, a new live record that gives the listener the feeling of being right up front at the railing.

“Sacrifice” opens up right in your face with the combination for guitar riffs and heavy hitting cymbals. Deep harmonizing backing vocals give a tough structure leading to a series of guitar solos that not only shows the musicianship but also doubles as a cool ending for the song. “Hard Time” puts the bass up front. The guitar and drums come in from the sides and enhance the buildup. A full on southern rock sounding track about getting the book thrown at you. The riffs are delivered in a way that makes this song impossible not to bob your head to. But don’t feel guilty. “Ash And Snow” is my personal favorite. The intro kicks in fast and has that race car feel. The guitar breakdown has a lighter, almost acoustic, feel but then the band kicks back in heavy. The song has an 80s feel to it and even has moments of a KISS nostalgia. With a cheer from the crowd, “Crash And Burn” takes off. This song has a much sleazier feel to it. Down and dirty guitar riffs with a more sped up drum beat that’s heavy on the kick. “When It All Comes Down” is slower but darker. A much angrier sound and gives you that feeling of getting a lashing.  This is the kind of song I can see being played as a bunch of druids stand around an altar. “Last Ride” has a vibe all its own. The light strumming intro gives the feeling of reminiscing while the backing vocal harmonize with a soothing sound. But, when the full bands comes in there’s a harder edge. The lyrics speak of when you come to the realization that your time has arrived. “Do Or Die” is another track that puts the rhythm section up front. Deep bass strumming with hard hitting drums give this song a much more “pure metal” feel. I really like the guitar breakdown in particular because of the way the guitar and bass are intertwined. Anything that gets the crowd involved is a gold star in my book and “Slave To Love” does that. Fists in the air and hands clapping. The breaks that give the guitar its individual moments have a 70s feel but over a heavier and more modern sound. “LOA Club” has a Danzig feel that’s reminds me of “She Rides.” A deeper vocal delivery with moments of soothing, melodic tones. The heavy bass strumming comes through strong especially towards the end of the song with accents of guitar. If you like opening guitar solos that set a specific tone then “Unbound” is for you. A slow track that is highlighted by the power in the vocals. The instruments come across as more casual accoutrements in order to allow for such a strong vocal presence. The lyrics could easily be featured as an acapella track. “Lilan’s Lullaby” has been tearing it up for Ryder with the accompanying music video racking up the views. Strong storytelling of a love gone bad but that’s what allows you to connect deeply with the message being portrayed. Highlighted by a traditional guitar solo that enhances the track rather than overshadows it. “Is Rock N Roll Dead” is the final track and it poses an interesting question, is rock n roll dead? The fact is live music is what connects everyone. A CD or record can only give you so much and that’s where the live environment comes into play. This track makes you think while also showing of a purer style of guitar playing. Allow yourself to get lost in that feeling while answering that question. The album ends with an acoustic version of “Lilan’s Lullaby.”