Album Review: RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Fifth Album, ‘Inhale / Exhale’

Few joys compare to the joy that is felt on a RÜFÜS DU SOL album release day. Last week, the highly coveted Aussie trio released their fifth album, Inhale / Exhale, on their own Rose Avenue Records. 59 minutes in length, Inhale / Exhale is a mesmerizing journey through soundscapes that blend electronic rhythms with emotional depth. Here’s my track-by-track Inhale / Exhale album review. Hit play, and read along.

Inhale: The album opens with the intro track “Inhale,” setting the tone with ethereal synths and atmospheric vibes. It feels like a deep breath, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the sonic experience. It provides an incredibly sentimental and serene start to the project.

Lately: This track captures a sense of timelessness with its pulsating beats and haunting vocals. It’s a soul-searching exploration that is a perfect blend of introspection and danceable energy.

Breathe: With its driving bassline and soaring melodies, “Breathe” is an anthem of letting go. The lyrics and music come together to create a powerful sense of release. Following the trio’s pre-release debut at this year’s Burning Man this summer, it quickly became a fan favorite.

Music is Better: “Music is Better” stands out with its uplifting energy and infectious chorus. It’s a celebration of life and the joy of being in the present moment. It moves your soul and is an absolute gem off of Inhale / Exhale.

Levitating: This track slows things down with a more intimate and reflective vibe. The emotive vocals and delicate instrumentation make it a standout ballad.

Break My Love: A darker, more intense track, “Break My Love” explores themes of vulnerability and resilience. The production is rich and layered, creating a captivating listening experience with an 80’s electronic aura.

In the Moment: With its upbeat tempo, “In the Moment” is a dreamy track that captures the excitement of being at the right place at the right time. There is a sense of safety and relaxation. Perfect for a self-love yoga session, it’s one of my personal favorites.

New York: A longing for a place you want to call home, the city-named track has a gospel energy that makes you feel like you’re right in the heart of NYC. The vocals are ethereal and captivating. With their top-notch production, it’s a perfect synergy of electronic and indie elements.

The Life: A beautiful ode to commitment, “The Life” combines heartfelt lyrics with lush production. It’s a track that resonates with deep emotional connections.

Pressure: Lyrically, “Pressure” talks about the overwhelming feelings and stresses that come with life and the struggle to find peace amid societal pressures. The vocals are expressive and emotional, adding to the overall tension of the song. The way the track ebbs and flows mirrors the highs and lows of dealing with pressure, making it a very relatable and powerful piece.

Fire / Desire: A track with dynamic range, “Fire / Desire” has moments of quiet introspection as well as powerful crescendos, making it a rollercoaster of emotions. It touches on themes of intense desire and the burning feelings that come with it.

Edge of the Earth: Sonically captivating and emotionally resonant, “Edge of the Earth” is intricate. With each listen, you can find something worth noting in the instrumentation. A worthy note of mine is the drumline at the 3-minute mark, which is truly something spectacular.

Standing at the Gates: Emotional storytelling is one of RÜFÜS DU SOL’s greatest strengths, and this track is proof of that. “Standing at the Gates” is an immersive experience where they take us on a side quest that explores the pain of missing someone.

Belong: One of those songs that you can get completely lost in. The vocals talk about connection and finding a place where you feel you belong. The whole track builds up beautifully, creating a sense of self-journey. It’s one of those songs that really makes you feel something. “Belong” is medicine for the soul.

Exhale: The album closes with “Exhale,” a soothing and reflective piece that mirrors the opening track. It’s a fitting end to the journey, leaving listeners with a sense of calm and fulfillment.

Overall, Inhale / Exhale is a cohesive and captivating album that showcases RÜFÜS DU SOL’s ability to blend electronic music with profound emotional depth. Their sound is powerful, and this project holds so much talent in one place. It’s a love letter to fans old and new. A spiritual masterpiece from front to back.

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