Hugh Ruiz was born in Spain (specifically, Catalan) but has lived in the U.K. since childhood. This set is yet another obsessive lockdown album, largely recorded in 2020. In many ways, the sound is also a throwback to the "throw everything against the wall" era of Britpop. There are so many references and nods to American 90s "alternative" bands that they all blur together.

Ruiz! Bedswervers & Delittantes (self-released)

That is the point. This highly eclectic album doesn't stand still for a moment, and anyone who can mashup Sonic Youth and Beck (and, if we're really being honest, Oasis) in a single riff has talent and serious chutzpah. These densely-packed songs are chock full of distorted hooks, throwaway guitar hero rambles and a generally snotty attitude.

Yes, this is really that awesome. I don't know that Ruiz has a sound of his own, but this heavy-duty pastiche is awfully impressive. Fans of that music era will nod along, continuously thinking, "Haven't I heard this before?" Well, yes, but quite.

Quite the basher. There's not a dull moment, and the breathless nature of these songs makes it easy to overlook the general lack of emotional range. Largely existing between and cruel smile and a sneer, these songs hit immediately and demand full attention. Ruiz contains multitudes, even if this is just him. Incessantly engaging.

Jon Worley