Ruby Waters - 'Sour Patch'
Canadian singer-songwriter Ruby Waters is intoxicatingly sweet in new single “Sour Patch,” ahead of her upcoming album What’s The Point.
An overpowering sensation brims up from under the surface in “Sour Patch,” imbued with Waters’ husky vocals and dirty guitar, rumbling bass, and hard-hitting drums. The instruments add to the potency of the meaning behind the song; the feeling of an exciting crush. Waters’ lyricism shows the intense longing and lusting for this special person. Distorted backing vocals are echoes of Waters’ not-so-hidden motivations, panned far out into the stereo field, acting as dizzying spatial effects, luring one into the yearning spiral. The luscious production by Sam Jackson Willows completes the intoxication process, drizzling honey over the track’s elements, holding and mixing everything together.
The overall vibe is reminiscent of American indie band Slow Pulp’s “Slugs” off of their 2023 album Yard. Waters’ voice contains a similar colour and texture to that of frontwoman Emily Massey – even the contextual matter of the songs are alike.
The single is slow-paced yet fast-moving at the same time, much like that of an enamoured crush. It’s playful yet serious, resembling budding romance; the highs and lows of being in love are in harmony with the music as a whole, not to mention the undeniably sexy rhythm, brought forth by the gritty, perfectly synched-up drums and bass. There’s a feeling of rough and smooth, like both flavours of sweet and sour candy hitting one’s palate in unison.
Rhyming earworms feature throughout the track: “You cross my mind sometimes/Whiskey on ice, shivers down my spine” and “Sugar rushing through my body/I want you more than anybody” in the bridge. Waters has effectively captured the feeling of her passionate endeavour through both music and writing, showing her developing skill as a talented indie-pop songwriter. Her lyrics detail such a strong desire and her fiery, fervent feelings are put on display.
Toward the end, an anthemic, celebratory finale sends out Waters’ message to this idealised, inebriating love. The last few seconds feature a soft and gentle guitar structure before “Sour Patch” is polished off.
Waters has proclaimed her love for another with the heart-throbbing “Sour Patch,” a title that procures an innocent and mischievous childlike feeling. It’s a turn-you-on kind of song, sure to be one for the hopeless romantics and love-lorn daydreamers out there.
Words by Sydney Kaster
