The Original Rudeboys are one of the lucky bands that have managed to attract a broad audience with their previous single, Stars in My Eyes, which reached number two in the iTunes charts. With the release of their new single, Travelling Man, they will be hoping to generate the same kind of buzz about their brand of hip-hop-come-acoustic-rock sound.
Travelling Man essentially tells the listener what the band is about; busy touring the country trying to succeed, they are different to every other band out there at the moment, too different to be accepted by major labels, but good enough to get people singing along. Almost all of this is true; it is a commercially viable song that is likely to keep current fans happy, and perhaps generate new fans should it receive a push from radio stations across the country. It is a catchy number with a summer feel and a similar air to the songs once offered to us by Republic of Loose, another Irish band that joined the worlds of rock and hip-hop. The instrumental aspect of the song is, indeed, pleasant to listen to; the beat and acoustic guitar are as lighthearted of the sung lyrics and it is the kind of song you would tap along on your steering wheel to while you waited for the traffic lights to change. The rap aspect is what sets this single apart from the rakes of acoustic-style rock bands in Ireland. Initially it may seem a trifle cringe-worthy as it is not the “sung rap” that we are used to hearing from the likes of Republic of Loose or The Script. It is a genuine rap with a full-on Dublin accent and while at first it may make you want to switch off, after a few listens the strong and husky accent sincerely grows on you.
While the single will almost certainly not be welcomed by the indie aficionados of Ireland, it is a very positive and infectious song, that deserves the kind of airplay that makes you mutter “not this song again” after hearing it played for the umpteenth time. It should be one of those songs you are indifferent towards to begin with, grow to love, and eventually despise because of the incessant radio play it will hopefully receive. If this single is anything to go by, The Original Rudeboys will no doubt become Dublin’s next big thing due to their honesty, positivism and ability to write and perform a painstakingly catchy song with a strong and hopeful message.
Travelling Man will be released on the 9th of March, followed by an album release on March 23rd and a live launch on the 31st.