By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Perhaps they’ve earned their stripes with this one.
New Jersey-based group Ruby Bones recently dropped their new record ‘Laser Tooth Tiger’ via Mint 400 Records, a welcomed followup to their Billboard-charting debut. Inspired to pen a “party record” in spite of 2020’s aggressive negativity, ‘Laser Tooth Tiger’ avoids the quarantine inferno and douses it with a punchy blend of indie rock and nostalgia.
The video for “Don’t Lose Your Head” shows a glimpse of this, as it was directed by Brian Lonano (Gwilliam) and received the Music Video Of The Year Award at the Coney Island Film Festival, alongside with a nomination for an Audience Award at the Georgia Film Festival and was also officially selected at the Oscar-qualifying Hollyshorts Film Festival.
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with member Chris Fox about ‘Laser Tooth Tiger’ and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the band name?
Chris Fox – We took “Ruby,” the color of the blood of our enemies and “Bones,” the things under our floorboards and slapped them together like dynamite.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your new album ‘Laser Tooth Tiger’?
Chris Fox – It was like wrangling cats. These songs were slippery and writhing around before we got a handle on them, but our motto of “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus” held true as usual. We wanted them to be bigger and brighter than the first record and I think we succeeded in that regard.
Music Bugle – How has your 2021 been so far?
Chris Fox – Just peachy! I’ve been skiing and watching anime, Matt’s been building cribs and eating pudding and James has gelling up his new mohawk and primping it like a Chia Pet.
Music Bugle – What are three of your favorite all-time albums?
Chris Fox – The Strokes’ ‘Room On Fire,’ Fruit Bats’ ‘Absolute Loser’ and Tokyo Police Club’s ‘Champ.’
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Chris Fox – Completely binging Rod Stewart at the moment. Just bought four of his LPs and never thought I’d see a human male put off the amount of lustful energy that this dude cranks out. Plus, his model train collection rocks. What a renaissance man!
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Chris Fox – A significant dip in backyard BBQs, our collective favorite thing. Also, as I’m sure it’s no surprise, I got bored and wrote our next five records like every other songwriter I know. Free time can sometimes be a detriment.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need an escape?
Chris Fox – I retreat to the mountains of the Hudson Valley with my wife and dog and write beautiful folk songs the band hates and won’t let me release. So sad.
Music Bugle – What’s something today’s music industry needs more of?
Chris Fox – Probably straight, white dudes. Definitely noticing that being a major lacking factor in the last 70 years of rock history, but don’t worry, we’re here to change it for the better. We got this.
Music Bugle – Which of your newest songs were the hardest to write?
Chris Fox – “Terrible” was indeed terrible to put together. Lots of moving parts and seismic energy shifts, but I think we pulled it off. Don’t ask James about it though. Seriously, don’t do it.
Music Bugle – What was the moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Chris Fox – I saw Roy Donk playing jazz on the Colgate Comedy Hour as a boy and ended up playing saxophone. When I realized how bad I was at it, I quit and picked up guitar. Way easier, way more bands to be in that don’t play ska.
*Photo Credit – Aly Shuart*
