Meat In Space – Ruby Tourmaline (2024)
Meat In Space – not necessarily the most elegant of band names but certainly one of the more relatable. You might imagine a meatloaf drifting off into infinity and beyond; then again, taking things literally we are all chunks of meat moving about in our own space (infinity or not). Whether it’s the former or the latter, Meat In Space is the solo project of US-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Stedman. He occupies his bit of space as a piece of meat to bring all of us other chunks of meat something spectacular; a drizzle of gravy, if you will. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Ruby Tourmaline’.
Following his critically acclaimed sophomore single ‘Outta My Head’, ‘Ruby Tourmaline’ has Stedman further developing a Radiohead meets Blur grunge tone; however, the outlying tinges shift from a fiery hot punk to shimmering blue indie-pop. Recorded at Orange Sherbet Studios in California, ‘Ruby Tourmaline’ has a raw sophistication to its production. Yet, as inspired by 90s rock, the grittiness and grime of the single emerge from its DIY analogue production. Acoustic guitars and drums capture the simplistic haze of raw innocence, while the layer of guitars and base add an edginess to the arrangement.
One aspect I find intriguing about Meat In Space is how it has a modern-day grunge revival tone but retains the griminess of the original scene. A strong reminiscence to Radiohead flows through Stedman’s work with the vocals giving the same heartfelt tug as Thom Yorke. In fact, there is a strong and undeniable similarity between Stedman and Yorke’s husky tones.
While the melody is spine-chilling ensnaring your senses from the get-go, it is the lyrical content that ups the profoundness ante. Far less rambunctious and more reflective, the rugged ‘Ruby Tourmaline’ tackles human relationships. Stedman explains that the single is a song about “…letting someone know you are thinking of them as they are going through a difficult situation. The lyrics follow on variations on that idea wishing for someone you care about to persist in the face of challenging circumstances…”
Sincere, open and heart-warming, Shawn Stedman brings originality and tenderness to listeners in all of his singles. ‘Ruby Tourmaline’ just happens to be one of the more introspective and mellifluous. Highly recommended and one to watch!
Find out more about Meat In Space on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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