The Ralphs
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The Ralphs

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"Review: The Ralphs"

Galway based band, The Ralphs, have just independently released their debut single - the double A-side Waste of Time/Gunfire. Apart from the two leading songs, the single also includes two others tracks, firstly "Dead Ends" and then an extended version of "Waste of Time" closes the CD.

According to their MySpace, the Ralphs play energetic punk rock and indie songs and when you hear them, you know they mean it.
Opening with "Waste of Time", the single immediately kicks in with surging upbeat guitars and squared solid kick beats that unashamedly wears its rock 'n' roll heart on its sleeve. They instantly conjure up comparisons with the like of The Only Ones and early Blondie and whilst not wholly original, one senses that this was never the point - this is the sound of a band having fun.

With the first A-Side finished, the CD moves to song number; the slightly more subtle "Gunfire". It is here that the Ralphs really hit the nail on the head; it would have been so easy to produce just another 2-and-a-half minute sonic romp, but instead the band respond with a more measured song.
Trickling acoustic moments sit nicely over the floating bass, whilst manic scatterbrain drums pound in the background - this is excellent in its simplicity and yet they parts being played are actually rather complex. Even the lyrics are just right as 'Jamie Ralph' repeats the line "you're falling to pieces, like my heart" throughout the bridge, one senses that this is stays on the right side of "nice and does not become Bon Jovi-esque schmaltz. "Gunfire" is a fantastic song that may not have the power or the sublime energy of "Waste of Time", but is probably pound-for-pound the best track on the EP

While not stellar stuff of the A-Sides, "Dead Ends" serves its purpose as a loyal and adequate B-Side. Occasionally the vocals in the track faulter slightly, but it is the only real niggle on what is a fantastic release. For all intents and purposes, "Dead Ends" is filler, but as a B-side, it does its job very well and maintains attention going into the final track.
Initially I wondered why there was a need to include an extended version of the A-Side; most bands just add an extra chorus/solo/bridge to the end tacked on, but there is an intro verse here which while not perfect is still rather pleasant - I can see why it was left off the single version though.

All in all, the mix of the single is also very good - so good in fact, that I can't think of anything to say other than it sounds great. It is purely guitar, vocal, bass and drums and all the better for it - bullshit need not apply. Admittedly, this is hardly Mozart, but then again, who cares if it is or not? A Waste of Time is something this single is not - great stuff
The Ralphs MySpace
Rating: 4 out of 5
- Easy Music For Difficult Ears BLOG


"Review: The Ralphs"

Galway based band, The Ralphs, have just independently released their debut single - the double A-side Waste of Time/Gunfire. Apart from the two leading songs, the single also includes two others tracks, firstly "Dead Ends" and then an extended version of "Waste of Time" closes the CD.

According to their MySpace, the Ralphs play energetic punk rock and indie songs and when you hear them, you know they mean it.
Opening with "Waste of Time", the single immediately kicks in with surging upbeat guitars and squared solid kick beats that unashamedly wears its rock 'n' roll heart on its sleeve. They instantly conjure up comparisons with the like of The Only Ones and early Blondie and whilst not wholly original, one senses that this was never the point - this is the sound of a band having fun.

With the first A-Side finished, the CD moves to song number; the slightly more subtle "Gunfire". It is here that the Ralphs really hit the nail on the head; it would have been so easy to produce just another 2-and-a-half minute sonic romp, but instead the band respond with a more measured song.
Trickling acoustic moments sit nicely over the floating bass, whilst manic scatterbrain drums pound in the background - this is excellent in its simplicity and yet they parts being played are actually rather complex. Even the lyrics are just right as 'Jamie Ralph' repeats the line "you're falling to pieces, like my heart" throughout the bridge, one senses that this is stays on the right side of "nice and does not become Bon Jovi-esque schmaltz. "Gunfire" is a fantastic song that may not have the power or the sublime energy of "Waste of Time", but is probably pound-for-pound the best track on the EP

While not stellar stuff of the A-Sides, "Dead Ends" serves its purpose as a loyal and adequate B-Side. Occasionally the vocals in the track faulter slightly, but it is the only real niggle on what is a fantastic release. For all intents and purposes, "Dead Ends" is filler, but as a B-side, it does its job very well and maintains attention going into the final track.
Initially I wondered why there was a need to include an extended version of the A-Side; most bands just add an extra chorus/solo/bridge to the end tacked on, but there is an intro verse here which while not perfect is still rather pleasant - I can see why it was left off the single version though.

All in all, the mix of the single is also very good - so good in fact, that I can't think of anything to say other than it sounds great. It is purely guitar, vocal, bass and drums and all the better for it - bullshit need not apply. Admittedly, this is hardly Mozart, but then again, who cares if it is or not? A Waste of Time is something this single is not - great stuff
The Ralphs MySpace
Rating: 4 out of 5
- Easy Music For Difficult Ears BLOG


"HotPress: Ones to watch!"

These feisty Western lads are exactly what the world needs to restore some credibility to the concept of forming bands with your siblings. Pay special attention to the genius lyrics of "The Bus Song", a happy piece of pure honky tonk (but not without a splash of Libertines bolsh). - HotPress


"HotPress: Ones to watch!"

These feisty Western lads are exactly what the world needs to restore some credibility to the concept of forming bands with your siblings. Pay special attention to the genius lyrics of "The Bus Song", a happy piece of pure honky tonk (but not without a splash of Libertines bolsh). - HotPress


"The Ralphs - Inky Wrists Review"

We’ve been meaning to do a post on The Ralphs debut single for ages, ever since they sent it to us quite a while ago. They’re from Tuam in Co. Galway, and have supported an impressive array of Irish musicians, including Delorentos and Ham Sandwich. Now, The Ralphs have released a double A-side single “Waste of Time/Gunfire” which also includes two bonus tracks – “Dead Ends” and an extended version of “Waste of Time”. Their sound fits nicely into the tradition of Irish rock – think Delorentos meets The Revs with a little bit of the Saw Doctors thrown in. We’ve included a musical freebie in the form of “Waste of Time”, you can download it here. - Inky Wrists Music Blog


"The Ralphs - Inky Wrists Review"

We’ve been meaning to do a post on The Ralphs debut single for ages, ever since they sent it to us quite a while ago. They’re from Tuam in Co. Galway, and have supported an impressive array of Irish musicians, including Delorentos and Ham Sandwich. Now, The Ralphs have released a double A-side single “Waste of Time/Gunfire” which also includes two bonus tracks – “Dead Ends” and an extended version of “Waste of Time”. Their sound fits nicely into the tradition of Irish rock – think Delorentos meets The Revs with a little bit of the Saw Doctors thrown in. We’ve included a musical freebie in the form of “Waste of Time”, you can download it here. - Inky Wrists Music Blog


Discography

August 2009 - 'Waste of Time/Gunfire' Double A-side single.
September 2010 - '21st Century Window' EP.

Tracks available for streaming at theralphs.bandcamp.com

Photos

Bio

The Ralphs make energetic and catchy rock n'roll songs. They formed in November 2008 and since then have been priviliged to share the stage with the likes of Delorentos, The Saw Doctors, The Flaws, Ham Sandwich, FRED and Funeral Suits. 2009 has seen The Ralphs grow into a supurb live act, with nationwide appearances at venues such as Roisin Dubh, Whelans, TF Royal Theatre, Dolans Warehouse, Academy2, Twisted Pepper, Baker Place.
A debut E.P '21st Century Window' has just been released (September 2010) featuring a dirty garage rock sound. The Ralphs hope this release will help them take a step towards the next level, and become a household nationwide known act.

The band is made up of two sibings in Jamie and Leigh Ralph, both of whom are joined by their cousin Conor on lead guitar. Childhood friend Brian Ruane completes the line-up.

2010 has started well for the boys with January seeing them enter the running for Meteor's Most Promising Artist of 2010 Award.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheRalphsMusic

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ralphs/149314709351

Email: theralphsmusic@gmail.com