Ritalin Boy summons a brigade of demonic soldiers hellbent on enforcing the right to party in with the single and video for The Skeleton Army — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Inspired by prohibition-era Victorian England, the title track from the enigmatic Toronto artist’s forthcoming sophomore album is set during a period in history when the newly formed Salvation Army sought to rid the city folk of their alcohol and debauchery-based sins by raiding brothels and pubs. The Skeleton Army was the name given to the rat skin-wearing, sea shanty-singing citizens of the time, who were brave enough to stand up for their rights against prohibitionist enforcers.
When writing the punky rocker — which also serves as a commentary on Canadian cannabis legalization — Ritalin Boy knew the sound he was after. “The song is pure rock ’n’ roll. No studio gimmickry. Just raw guitar, bass, drums, piano, and vocals, with a sprinkle of spice, like the great Rolling Stones songs of the ‘60s.” Toss in some echoes of everyone from classic Iggy and The Stooges to the dark decadence of Turbonegro and Chris D.’s Flesh Eaters and Divine Horsemen — and even a touch of Leonard Cohen‘s First We Take Manhattan — and you’re up to speed.
The Skeleton Army album was recorded between lockdowns at the Toronto studio Kuhl Muzik. Aside from the percussive contributions of St. Catherines drummer Tony “The Torch” Cirasuolo, Ritalin Boy laid down all of the vocal and instrumental tracks. The album came together under the steady hand and expertise of Grammy-nominated and Juno-winning producer (and studio owner) Gary “GWIZ” Honess. The album promises an electrifying sonic diversity amongst sophisticated arrangements. A quintessentially Canadian record, the album aims to be an epic testament to Ritalin Boy’s comprehensive sound palette and realist perspective while tackling an array of social phenomena.
Ritalin Boy started his music career painstakingly playing along with the Salvation Army Ottawa Citadel Jr. Band. Around that time, a much younger Ritalin Boy found rock ’n’ roll in his older brother’s hidden vinyl collection, changing him forever and leading him on a long and winding road of artistic expression.
Watch the video for Skeleton Army above, hear more from Ritalin Boy below, and enlist at his website, Facebook and Twitter.
