SONG REVIEW: Shortwave - "Rubii"
Shortwave captures the thoughts and emotions post-break up in a beautiful display of melody and energetic music in new single, “Rubii”
by Jesse Smith
Coming out of the northeast, Connecticut to be exact, comes the energetic up and coming alternative/indie rock act “Shortwave”. Think Movements mixed with a little bit of Balance and Composure, Shortwave is full of infectious melodies with aggressive rhythms that are familiar yet completely unique. The perfect example of this is their new single “Rubii” which is by far their most cohesive and well written song to date. Only being a band since 2021, Shortwave has a total of 4 releases and each other gets more and more polished, which leads us to Rubii.
Rubii starts off very upbeat and energetic, with aggressive guitars and a toe tappable beat that is immediately ear grabbing and captivating. The song structure throughout the song is simple but only for the fact that it’s very easy to sing along to. To me, that is a sign to a hit song, when I can listen to the song and by the time the second chorus hits I already know the words and can sing along. Lyrically, the song to me is about a breakup that you realize that it was your fault and in the end you realize that you were the one that messed up and it’s a message to them… yeah I know, relatable, which is the beauty of this song because we have all been there at least once. Lyrics like “give me a chance to find a little peace of mind. I swear things will be alright” and “thinking back on what was said those words sound better when in my head” really hit home and drive the point that it’s a realization of your role in the ending of a good thing. Vocalist Pierce Holveck’s delivery of these lyrics are perfectly beautiful and fitting as it’s cutting enough to be in the forefront but not overbearing enough with excessive singing that shifts the vibe.
Overall, Rubii is a solid track that is both upbeat and emotional. The happy music/sad lyric dichotomy has been done but when the delivery is perfect it makes for a great song which is exactly what we have here. For being only the 4th single, I hope the band continues down this path of superior songwriting and solidifies their identity as a band. Rubii is definitely their best written song and was a perfect follow up to their single “Alpine” which you can hear the start of finding this new polished songwriting and sound. I’m excited to see what else Shortwave has coming next.