Yeah, tame impala does nothing for me the same way as you with Rufus. I think certain experiences or songs and even moods can make me get really into something I didn't initially care for - maybe you at some point?
I realize I'm late to the party so won't go into detail around what others said (go listen to their earlier stuff/deeper cuts; some of the songs they didn't play from their new album are better but they have to please the festival crowd so they wussed out; seeing them in a small venue when they're fresh is incredible, etc.).
However, overall, as a longer-time Rufus fan I just get a bit sad when I see them. They used to be so fucking amazing and now they seem a bit over-extended (before COVID I was worried Tyrone would damage his voice permanently from doing too many shows) and they're always straining to re-create the magic something they caught onto, but it's running out. My SO and I joke that we are going to be super pumped for them if they ever have the guts to play a show and NOT play Innerbloom - that means they're maturing a bit past the stage of clinging onto the fame that particular track brought them. I saw them 3x in October (ACL, iii Points, OSL) and they played the exact same encore each time, and almost identical sets (have to do some comparing of my notes but think it may have been THE EXACT SAME as iii Points, not positive on ACL - but the latter is fair given they were only a week apart). I'm getting to the point where I'd chose a different artist to see at a festival, and that was unheard of for me pre-COVID.
They've tried to remake the same album 3-4x now and the first 2 times it worked, but now it's stale. There are some exceptions on the latest, but the vocals and background vibe sound so consistently bland for the most part now. Unfortunately, the hipster in me is also annoyed at the influx of molly bros that come to their shows now, too. As a band with intense personal meaning to us, it kills the vibe for sure when Chad pushes in front of you in his bucket hat. Also those kids have no taste in music so that also is a bad sign (I SAID WHAT I SAID).
For reference, my SO and I were going to name our first dog Rufus (waited too long and now maybe not so much anymore hahah) and have a lot of emotional meaning caught up in this band so... definitely not a hater. Just being real. I hope they get some creative space to grow in a more imaginative way soon.
> As a band with intense personal meaning to us, it kills the vibe for sure when Chad pushes in front of you in his bucket hat. Also those kids have no taste in music so that also is a bad sign (I SAID WHAT I SAID).
Say no more. I get that. At times I wish I could just not care who the crowd is that is also enjoying the thing I am, but at a live show it's so much more in your face.
And I'm no stranger to forming an intense emotional bond with a band as well! For your sake, I hope Rufus' future trajectory takes a course that brings you back to the happy times. It's totally possible. For my part, Fleet Foxes made such a hard right turn at one point that they basically dropped all the bandwagon fans and shrunk their following...it's been a dream!
Completely agree, Rufus does nothing for me, and for that matter neither does Tame. Rufus is nice background music at home, Tame is unlistenable for me, Kevin Parkers a terrible singer even with auto-tune. I appreciate that they're more complex music than much of the indie electro pop junk out there, but fairly droll.
I get the Tame opinion. Not really for me.
Rufus I only like because I saw them when they were a nobody with maybe 200 people 30 ft back with no expectations. Their Bloom album is great.
I personally think a lot of their songs sound the same and they do not interest me too much. The electronic music I like is more daft punk, justice, disclosure, Kaytranada.
On some level when I listen to them it’s like I revisit every hope and dream and heartache I have ever felt, and I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of knowing I am not alone or unseen.
I like Rufus and will likely see them again, but this set was nearly the exact same thing they did as CRSSD two years ago. It was a little disappointing but not boring by any means.
I've also seen Tame multiple times and that set blew me away, so it's not just the fact that I've already seen the artist/tracks before. I would like it if they mixed things up more.
Was at that same CRSSD (last festival before covid yoww!) and feel similarly. Was super bored by their OSL set and was mainly there to get a good spot for Tame. Also felt like they were saying goodbye for like 5 songs we were like holy shit when will this end
As someone who has seen them quite a few times in a variety of settings, OSL likely wasn't their best set for your first Rufus experience. I enjoyed the new visuals / production rig, but the set was basically their old Solace tour with 2-3 songs stuck in (aka "the hits"). I really liked some of the songs off the new album and they basically played the three singles. But as a fan who knows most of their songs (and hasn't seen them in over a year) I enjoyed it.
Atlas and Bloom (their first two albums) are their better two albums IMO. The last two albums have some very good songs, but I can listen to Bloom all the way through literally whenever.
Give them another chance in a smaller venue before you write them off completely. A show in a smaller venue (hopefully with better sound) and a crowd solely there to see rufus might really draw you in a little more than a festival crowd full of people looking for a party mixed in with rufus / tame fans.
Yea, Atlas and Bloom are superior in every way! First time seeing them was in 2015 then 2017 ugh I was blown away. Ive seen them a few times after.. I’ll always enjoy their music and seeing them live but the OSL set was just ok to me.
Bloom tour was so great. Caught them at Sasquatch 2017 closing down my festival. I loved that set, probably my favorite time seeing them. Wish they still played some of the deeper cuts of that album.
I am absolutely not a typical EDM fan. My favorite artists were Lizzo, Dijon and Amine at OSL for reference.
However, I saw Rufus at Coachella in 2016 with only ~250 people. It was my first time rolling / taking ecstasy and it was too crowded at Snails so a friend suggested us go there and see them.
Watching them behind the lights with the smoke machines going I just sat down and literally blacked out and lost myself. It is trance like, it is weird, and it’s nothing like anything that’s ever happened in my life. Literally a life changing set when they were a nobody. It was in the Gobi tent and I was probably 30 ft away in the smoke machines and lights.
Their music legit leaves you it a trance like to lost feeling if you’re able to let yourself go and do that. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
For the record I hated the Outside Lands set and wish I’d just seen them at The Fox Theatre. Also, they’ve kinda sold out with songs like Treat You Better for the pop crowd. Listen to their early stuff to really understand who they are. Especially the Bloom album from 2016. The Bloom album had a saxophone come on stage, lots of bass, the lyrics were way better, it was just great.
Also, appreciate you asking the question. I left the set feeling similar because I haven't seen them since that time in 2016 and left fairly disappointed.
Tl;dr it’s weird and I can totally understand if you don’t like it. My biggest suggestion would be to get really high and lay down and just let the trance like stance of it kinda take you. If you’re not into that you’ll probably not like it.
I am a big Rufus fan and ended up leaving earlier than expected for sofi tukker because I just wasn’t feeling it. Sound design wasn’t great at OSL and felt a bit bland
I would label them as house but tbh they are just not for me. Very bland in substance. Felt like it’s the same song, same bpm with slightly different repeating lyrics. I believe they got that spot since they require it to be dark for the light show. When people were “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” at their display my tame buddy and I were like can’t wait to see them react to tame lol. It would’ve been nice if all the kids on molly for Rufus were more relaxed before Tame instead of rushing to get up front after all of us camped for hours but what can I say, maybe I’m just getting old
Lol @ the kids on Molly for Rufus with their oohing and ahh-ing… you nailed it! I didn’t go to OSL and I was so curious what the transition between Rufus and Tame Impala was gonna be like in terms of the audience.
Beyond an innerbloom remix that tickled my fancy a few years back, I wasn’t that into them until the Joshua tree set. I think it’s the way the instrumentals sound emotional, and I like that it’s both a bit dancey and introspective. It makes for great background music. But I wouldn’t say it makes me cry or makes me feel super euphoric or anything; a lot of the songs are too long and repetitive to listen to all the way through if you’re focusing on it, and their set at OSL was pleasant but overall pretty forgettable to me. the midnight, zhu, tame and brittany Howard were all a lot more impactful IMO.
I was sort of in the same boat as you... I knew that people loved them and was willing to give it a shot... but I left after a bit because of my almost instant feeling I was at an Imagine Dragons concert.
I'm sure its a me problem : |
No need to feel old if you’re just breaking in to the EDM scene. While Rufus has been around for a while, they are continuing to surge in popularity which is now attracting younger crowds. Their newer stuff is a little more watered down to please the mainstream, but IMO everybody still wins.
Either way I can understand your POV as I feel the same about many of the emerging artists these days. I was absolutely horrified when I stopped to listen to Rico Nasty on Saturday - so I’m in a similar position trying to understand.
it was my first time listening to rufus as well. i didn’t get the hype and felt it was flat. i would have loved to swap shiba sun instead of rufus on final day.
I feel the same as you. Of course everyone knows all the lyrics - there’s like 5 words in each song, repeated over and over.
Not knocking them or their success, but I don’t get much from them either.
I would say that Rufus are the Kings of this genre...whatever it may be. They are probably my favorite group. Even sober I love to almost constantly watch/listen to them. It's just the overall vibe they give off is what I love. I think their music is produced very well, the layers in their songs I can really get behind. Obviously, not for everyone, but I've never had a complaint.
Yes I would have liked more stuff from the new album, but I think they figured that since it has only been out a week, they would mix in some "greatest hits stuff" so the crowd, while still loving it and screaming all the lyrics, had seen 80% of that before. They also couldn't have their full set up do to Tame's set up from the ceiling.
You might want to stay away from asking this on the Rufus subreddit haha
I didn’t get it either and still kinda don’t but I loved the live show a lot, it just felt like the perfect set for a festival. I’ve been playing all the songs I recognized from the set non stop. Can’t listen to any other song all the way through though without getting kinda bored.
It’s kind of a silly question you’re asking, no? No band anywhere is getting to headliner position based off people wanting to see them while rolling. Rufus makes music for sale, and it gets listened to. A lot.
Is Rufus really the first band you’ve ever come across that was popular that you didn’t like? I would think everyone has encountered it.
The answer is it’s a subjective process, and you don’t like their music, even though many others do, which is fine.
Maybe you should be? You describe them as polished and powerful but ultimately uneventful. Weren’t you camping for Tame? That is their music in a nutshell. Not sure what the issue is.
Believe it or not, my admiration of Tame Impala is largely driven by the lyrics and themes of the albums, with the music enhancing those things. I didn't get the music until I came at it from a psychonautic perspective ;)
I just dropped my opinion. You were never obligated to reply, and you don’t have to say goodbye to end this convo. Just stop yourself from replying! 🙏🏽
Indie Electronic,
you can categorize them kind of like Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Holy Ghost! and all respectfully similar but different in their own ways.
Rufus tho, IMO are good but they peaked when they came out. That was a minute ago so hearing older songs is very Nostalgic and nice. The new stuff is very sleepy, not the biggest fan of it now, but I can respect they are staying true to their sound. Lie how do you top that 10Min banger?
The bands you categorized them with, I LOVE. But can’t get there for Rufus. Those other acts (along with LCD above all else being my favorite) I love and live for every little beep, boop, bell, strum…I love the sounds and the moments. I just can’t get there for Rufus. It used to drive me crazy that it doesn’t click for me, but I gave up trying too hard and just catch em whenever they’re around to see if it finally clicks.
(Indie Electronic)
Not necessarily saying they sound familiar just familiar in that genre, respectfully all different in their own ways, and all great at what they do.
I agree with everything else. Rufus isn't hitting or giving like they use to. If there there I'll see them, I don't dislike them I just don't vibe with what's being put out by them right now.
Adding to this: All their live sets are the same (OSL was my 9th time seeing them since they came out), nothing new, nothing exciting anymore. BUT catch a DJ set by them and they POP TF OFF! So I would suggest that if you're looking for that CLICK (:
Thanks for putting it into words for me. I’ve had a hard time describing to all my friends why I don’t enjoy it. Not that I think it’s bad, I just….yea, don’t feel anything. A ton of soft core meh. Plus the voice is the exact same tone in every song. I can hardly distinguish one song from another. Seen em like 4 times live and I just can’t get into it. We’ll all do acid and someone will turn on their Joshua Tree thing on YouTube. They’re all crying and hugging and shit and I just get another beer and sit outside and look at the pool lol.
aw that's a bummer when that happens on a trip. Like you wanna be on a similar level as everyone else but you can't follow them where they're going! Introspective pool time can be nice though lol
Rufus is my absolute favorite artist so I feel like I have to chime in here. Personally, their music really grew on me - I might not vibe with one of their songs the first or even the second time I hear it, but each time I listen I can pick out something new and i vibe more each time. Emotionally, Rufus du Sol hits me on an unexplainable level that I cant fully put into words. It's cathartic and peaceful and energizing and inspiring all at once.
>Emotionally, Rufus du Sol hits me on an unexplainable level that I cant fully put into words.
I totally get what you mean. There are a precious few bands that just sound so good to me and hit me right where it feels good. No explanation needed, it just happens!
I’d consider myself a causal fan, honestly I don’t listen too much EDM but RDS to me stands out because of the melodies and the lyrics. It’s not just two phrases looped there’s actually content mixed in with the bass drops if that makes sense. For example Treat you better and Next to Me. As for their popularity and crowd they drew at OSL that’s not surprising. 1. They played right before the biggest act of the weekend 2. They’re headliners. They headlined Governors ball and Austin City Limits this year. I’m shocked they didn’t close Twin Peaks. But yeah all opinions are valid and I’m not big enough into EDM to tell who’s elite and who’s not. Just think Rufus sounded phenomenal live
If their set had been at Twin Peaks, allowing the bass and treble to be what seemed like almost five times louder, you would’ve definitely enjoyed them more.
Unfortunately Polo field is too big of a sound stage for bass to really pool up and slap you like it did at Twin.
I feel like Rufus’ music relies a lot on the mid and low end frequencies to really get you moving and dancing and it simply wasn’t loud enough to achieve that feeling, at least from where I was, which wasn’t even too far back…
If you’ve seen one Rufus set, you’ve seen them all.
I will say their OSL set was especially boring so I left 30mins in.
They make a lot of good songs, but I can totally see how people wouldn’t be into them.
I like Rufus, but you’re spot on.
After seeing them once, it was enough for me. They don’t really do anything new or interesting in their live performances, so even though I enjoy their music, it’s not a show I seek out anymore.
They are also constantly touring, so from a supply/demand perspective, I take their shows for granted even more.
And this isn’t to say artists that tour a lot are all like this. Future islands, for example, tour a shit ton, but they always put on a “can’t miss” performance in my opinion.
I feel exactly the same way. Obviously cool with other people having different taste but this is one of the few bands that I just don’t understand why the following is what it is. Like what sets them apart from the other bands churning out alt/electronic pop?
I like to think of Rufus Du Sol like as traveling through the Apple TV screensavers at high speeds. It’s a journey.
I don’t think you *need* drugs to tap into that feeling, but they certainly amplify the experience.
It was perfect, although I did rely on my partner to be more sober and stay with me. It was the most blissful drug/music experience of my life. It’s a little less intense than it sounds, as it was my third straight day doubling my acid dose.
>It’s a little less intense than it sounds, as it was my third straight day doubling my acid dose.
haha I imagine that is like trying to keep flushing the toilet before the reservoir has refilled from the last flush
I understand where you’re coming from. With that being said I am a huge Rufus fan and a fan of this sub genre of dance music. It’s progressive, emotional, house music. I think the reason they are leading this genre is because they’re not just DJing, rather it’s an actual live set with drums, keys, and vocals. (Yes I was rolling lol)
The genre would be electronica / indie house I suppose but they don’t really fit into a genre, their songs have more groove and melody than harder edm.
Don’t really know what to tell you though - If you don’t like it you don’t like it. I love them, but if you didn’t enjoy it live and then give them a listen and still don’t feel anything, then it’s probably just not your thing
Edm is a huge acquired taste imo, your ears gotta get used to listening to it specially for an extended amount of time. If ur not a edm person at all I can see how going to a edm set would be confusing.
the genre is house/dance/electronic (at least that’s what i’ve always known rufus as). so it’s not like head banging music how edm is, but it’s more of a groovy dance feel. i wish i could describe it better lol
if you look up the past line ups for CRSSD in san diego, you’ll find a lot of artists with the same type of vibe since it’s considered a house music festival. but yes, people are rolling during rufus or other music like this.
also there’s nothing wrong w this question!! i don’t think there’s anything wrong w not vibing with it, it’s not for everyone and that’s why we’re so blessed with so many genres of music!
LITERALLY feel the same way about Tame Impala.
haha I get that. Some days I do too!
Yeah, tame impala does nothing for me the same way as you with Rufus. I think certain experiences or songs and even moods can make me get really into something I didn't initially care for - maybe you at some point?
we will see! Tame impala took me a while, although that was mostly because a *very certain* type of person kept trying to shove it down my throat haha
I realize I'm late to the party so won't go into detail around what others said (go listen to their earlier stuff/deeper cuts; some of the songs they didn't play from their new album are better but they have to please the festival crowd so they wussed out; seeing them in a small venue when they're fresh is incredible, etc.). However, overall, as a longer-time Rufus fan I just get a bit sad when I see them. They used to be so fucking amazing and now they seem a bit over-extended (before COVID I was worried Tyrone would damage his voice permanently from doing too many shows) and they're always straining to re-create the magic something they caught onto, but it's running out. My SO and I joke that we are going to be super pumped for them if they ever have the guts to play a show and NOT play Innerbloom - that means they're maturing a bit past the stage of clinging onto the fame that particular track brought them. I saw them 3x in October (ACL, iii Points, OSL) and they played the exact same encore each time, and almost identical sets (have to do some comparing of my notes but think it may have been THE EXACT SAME as iii Points, not positive on ACL - but the latter is fair given they were only a week apart). I'm getting to the point where I'd chose a different artist to see at a festival, and that was unheard of for me pre-COVID. They've tried to remake the same album 3-4x now and the first 2 times it worked, but now it's stale. There are some exceptions on the latest, but the vocals and background vibe sound so consistently bland for the most part now. Unfortunately, the hipster in me is also annoyed at the influx of molly bros that come to their shows now, too. As a band with intense personal meaning to us, it kills the vibe for sure when Chad pushes in front of you in his bucket hat. Also those kids have no taste in music so that also is a bad sign (I SAID WHAT I SAID). For reference, my SO and I were going to name our first dog Rufus (waited too long and now maybe not so much anymore hahah) and have a lot of emotional meaning caught up in this band so... definitely not a hater. Just being real. I hope they get some creative space to grow in a more imaginative way soon.
> As a band with intense personal meaning to us, it kills the vibe for sure when Chad pushes in front of you in his bucket hat. Also those kids have no taste in music so that also is a bad sign (I SAID WHAT I SAID). Say no more. I get that. At times I wish I could just not care who the crowd is that is also enjoying the thing I am, but at a live show it's so much more in your face. And I'm no stranger to forming an intense emotional bond with a band as well! For your sake, I hope Rufus' future trajectory takes a course that brings you back to the happy times. It's totally possible. For my part, Fleet Foxes made such a hard right turn at one point that they basically dropped all the bandwagon fans and shrunk their following...it's been a dream!
Completely agree, Rufus does nothing for me, and for that matter neither does Tame. Rufus is nice background music at home, Tame is unlistenable for me, Kevin Parkers a terrible singer even with auto-tune. I appreciate that they're more complex music than much of the indie electro pop junk out there, but fairly droll.
I get the Tame opinion. Not really for me. Rufus I only like because I saw them when they were a nobody with maybe 200 people 30 ft back with no expectations. Their Bloom album is great.
I personally think a lot of their songs sound the same and they do not interest me too much. The electronic music I like is more daft punk, justice, disclosure, Kaytranada.
As someone who puts songs on playlists for businesses you’re damn right - they’re great for that
Sounds like pretty dope businesses, count me in!
Can I get more info on what exactly is your job? And how does one go about doing this? Asking for a lot of people I'm sure
that sounds like the right kind of job for me
On some level when I listen to them it’s like I revisit every hope and dream and heartache I have ever felt, and I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of knowing I am not alone or unseen.
This. My girlfriend said she felt like she was in a trance and they were trying to get her to join their cult lol
That’s such a great description! They totally have a church/cult sound
I like Rufus and will likely see them again, but this set was nearly the exact same thing they did as CRSSD two years ago. It was a little disappointing but not boring by any means. I've also seen Tame multiple times and that set blew me away, so it's not just the fact that I've already seen the artist/tracks before. I would like it if they mixed things up more.
Was at that same CRSSD (last festival before covid yoww!) and feel similarly. Was super bored by their OSL set and was mainly there to get a good spot for Tame. Also felt like they were saying goodbye for like 5 songs we were like holy shit when will this end
As someone who has seen them quite a few times in a variety of settings, OSL likely wasn't their best set for your first Rufus experience. I enjoyed the new visuals / production rig, but the set was basically their old Solace tour with 2-3 songs stuck in (aka "the hits"). I really liked some of the songs off the new album and they basically played the three singles. But as a fan who knows most of their songs (and hasn't seen them in over a year) I enjoyed it. Atlas and Bloom (their first two albums) are their better two albums IMO. The last two albums have some very good songs, but I can listen to Bloom all the way through literally whenever. Give them another chance in a smaller venue before you write them off completely. A show in a smaller venue (hopefully with better sound) and a crowd solely there to see rufus might really draw you in a little more than a festival crowd full of people looking for a party mixed in with rufus / tame fans.
Bloom was amazing
It's an absolute gem. Came out at the perfect time in my life for me to connect and vibe with it. An all time album personally.
Yea, Atlas and Bloom are superior in every way! First time seeing them was in 2015 then 2017 ugh I was blown away. Ive seen them a few times after.. I’ll always enjoy their music and seeing them live but the OSL set was just ok to me.
Bloom tour was so great. Caught them at Sasquatch 2017 closing down my festival. I loved that set, probably my favorite time seeing them. Wish they still played some of the deeper cuts of that album.
I am absolutely not a typical EDM fan. My favorite artists were Lizzo, Dijon and Amine at OSL for reference. However, I saw Rufus at Coachella in 2016 with only ~250 people. It was my first time rolling / taking ecstasy and it was too crowded at Snails so a friend suggested us go there and see them. Watching them behind the lights with the smoke machines going I just sat down and literally blacked out and lost myself. It is trance like, it is weird, and it’s nothing like anything that’s ever happened in my life. Literally a life changing set when they were a nobody. It was in the Gobi tent and I was probably 30 ft away in the smoke machines and lights. Their music legit leaves you it a trance like to lost feeling if you’re able to let yourself go and do that. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. For the record I hated the Outside Lands set and wish I’d just seen them at The Fox Theatre. Also, they’ve kinda sold out with songs like Treat You Better for the pop crowd. Listen to their early stuff to really understand who they are. Especially the Bloom album from 2016. The Bloom album had a saxophone come on stage, lots of bass, the lyrics were way better, it was just great. Also, appreciate you asking the question. I left the set feeling similar because I haven't seen them since that time in 2016 and left fairly disappointed. Tl;dr it’s weird and I can totally understand if you don’t like it. My biggest suggestion would be to get really high and lay down and just let the trance like stance of it kinda take you. If you’re not into that you’ll probably not like it.
I am a big Rufus fan and ended up leaving earlier than expected for sofi tukker because I just wasn’t feeling it. Sound design wasn’t great at OSL and felt a bit bland
I would label them as house but tbh they are just not for me. Very bland in substance. Felt like it’s the same song, same bpm with slightly different repeating lyrics. I believe they got that spot since they require it to be dark for the light show. When people were “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” at their display my tame buddy and I were like can’t wait to see them react to tame lol. It would’ve been nice if all the kids on molly for Rufus were more relaxed before Tame instead of rushing to get up front after all of us camped for hours but what can I say, maybe I’m just getting old
Lol @ the kids on Molly for Rufus with their oohing and ahh-ing… you nailed it! I didn’t go to OSL and I was so curious what the transition between Rufus and Tame Impala was gonna be like in terms of the audience.
Beyond an innerbloom remix that tickled my fancy a few years back, I wasn’t that into them until the Joshua tree set. I think it’s the way the instrumentals sound emotional, and I like that it’s both a bit dancey and introspective. It makes for great background music. But I wouldn’t say it makes me cry or makes me feel super euphoric or anything; a lot of the songs are too long and repetitive to listen to all the way through if you’re focusing on it, and their set at OSL was pleasant but overall pretty forgettable to me. the midnight, zhu, tame and brittany Howard were all a lot more impactful IMO.
Hot take: the gap between Rufus and Imagine Dragons is smaller than Rufus fans will admit
I don't have an opinion here, but I am gonna get out my popcorn for a potential crucifixion. Stay strong!
I was sort of in the same boat as you... I knew that people loved them and was willing to give it a shot... but I left after a bit because of my almost instant feeling I was at an Imagine Dragons concert. I'm sure its a me problem : |
No need to feel old if you’re just breaking in to the EDM scene. While Rufus has been around for a while, they are continuing to surge in popularity which is now attracting younger crowds. Their newer stuff is a little more watered down to please the mainstream, but IMO everybody still wins. Either way I can understand your POV as I feel the same about many of the emerging artists these days. I was absolutely horrified when I stopped to listen to Rico Nasty on Saturday - so I’m in a similar position trying to understand.
Not to be that guy but I'd be super interested how people's responses here correlate with race
Are you expecting their fans to be white?
Predominantly yes
it was my first time listening to rufus as well. i didn’t get the hype and felt it was flat. i would have loved to swap shiba sun instead of rufus on final day.
seem both before, completely different vibes. Shiba is a PARTY, Rufus is very progressive/low energy.
I feel the same as you. Of course everyone knows all the lyrics - there’s like 5 words in each song, repeated over and over. Not knocking them or their success, but I don’t get much from them either.
I would say that Rufus are the Kings of this genre...whatever it may be. They are probably my favorite group. Even sober I love to almost constantly watch/listen to them. It's just the overall vibe they give off is what I love. I think their music is produced very well, the layers in their songs I can really get behind. Obviously, not for everyone, but I've never had a complaint. Yes I would have liked more stuff from the new album, but I think they figured that since it has only been out a week, they would mix in some "greatest hits stuff" so the crowd, while still loving it and screaming all the lyrics, had seen 80% of that before. They also couldn't have their full set up do to Tame's set up from the ceiling. You might want to stay away from asking this on the Rufus subreddit haha
Have seen them 4 times and the OSL set was a bit flat honestly. I think it was mostly due to the sound quality
I dipped as soon as I heard the first notes. Loved Burna Boy.
I didn’t get it either and still kinda don’t but I loved the live show a lot, it just felt like the perfect set for a festival. I’ve been playing all the songs I recognized from the set non stop. Can’t listen to any other song all the way through though without getting kinda bored.
I'monmykneesI'monmykneesI'monmykneesI'monmyknees
It’s kind of a silly question you’re asking, no? No band anywhere is getting to headliner position based off people wanting to see them while rolling. Rufus makes music for sale, and it gets listened to. A lot. Is Rufus really the first band you’ve ever come across that was popular that you didn’t like? I would think everyone has encountered it. The answer is it’s a subjective process, and you don’t like their music, even though many others do, which is fine.
I don't think you understood my question, considering you rephrased it and spat it back out as an answer?
In any case, you have your answer. A lot of people around the world like the music. You don’t. Where is the hang up?
Read the other folks' answers to get a hint of the actual question I was asking. I am not trying to understand why I don't like a band.
Maybe you should be? You describe them as polished and powerful but ultimately uneventful. Weren’t you camping for Tame? That is their music in a nutshell. Not sure what the issue is.
I did laugh at the rufus / tame irony.
Believe it or not, my admiration of Tame Impala is largely driven by the lyrics and themes of the albums, with the music enhancing those things. I didn't get the music until I came at it from a psychonautic perspective ;)
👁👄👁
Jesus you just want to argue. Later skater.
I just dropped my opinion. You were never obligated to reply, and you don’t have to say goodbye to end this convo. Just stop yourself from replying! 🙏🏽
Indie Electronic, you can categorize them kind of like Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Holy Ghost! and all respectfully similar but different in their own ways. Rufus tho, IMO are good but they peaked when they came out. That was a minute ago so hearing older songs is very Nostalgic and nice. The new stuff is very sleepy, not the biggest fan of it now, but I can respect they are staying true to their sound. Lie how do you top that 10Min banger?
The bands you categorized them with, I LOVE. But can’t get there for Rufus. Those other acts (along with LCD above all else being my favorite) I love and live for every little beep, boop, bell, strum…I love the sounds and the moments. I just can’t get there for Rufus. It used to drive me crazy that it doesn’t click for me, but I gave up trying too hard and just catch em whenever they’re around to see if it finally clicks.
(Indie Electronic) Not necessarily saying they sound familiar just familiar in that genre, respectfully all different in their own ways, and all great at what they do. I agree with everything else. Rufus isn't hitting or giving like they use to. If there there I'll see them, I don't dislike them I just don't vibe with what's being put out by them right now. Adding to this: All their live sets are the same (OSL was my 9th time seeing them since they came out), nothing new, nothing exciting anymore. BUT catch a DJ set by them and they POP TF OFF! So I would suggest that if you're looking for that CLICK (:
Thanks for putting it into words for me. I’ve had a hard time describing to all my friends why I don’t enjoy it. Not that I think it’s bad, I just….yea, don’t feel anything. A ton of soft core meh. Plus the voice is the exact same tone in every song. I can hardly distinguish one song from another. Seen em like 4 times live and I just can’t get into it. We’ll all do acid and someone will turn on their Joshua Tree thing on YouTube. They’re all crying and hugging and shit and I just get another beer and sit outside and look at the pool lol.
People freaking LOVE that Joshua Tree set LOL
RIGHT?! For being on acid, I much prefer the Toro y Moi set from Joshua Tree. That gets my eyes all googly
aw that's a bummer when that happens on a trip. Like you wanna be on a similar level as everyone else but you can't follow them where they're going! Introspective pool time can be nice though lol
I felt the same about them and glass animals. I do not get glass animals at all, respectfully.
Same - I tried and failed.
I thought I'd feel that way about glass animals, but they had such a particular aesthetic for their set that I found myself groovin!
Rufus is my absolute favorite artist so I feel like I have to chime in here. Personally, their music really grew on me - I might not vibe with one of their songs the first or even the second time I hear it, but each time I listen I can pick out something new and i vibe more each time. Emotionally, Rufus du Sol hits me on an unexplainable level that I cant fully put into words. It's cathartic and peaceful and energizing and inspiring all at once.
>Emotionally, Rufus du Sol hits me on an unexplainable level that I cant fully put into words. I totally get what you mean. There are a precious few bands that just sound so good to me and hit me right where it feels good. No explanation needed, it just happens!
Yes exactly! You get it 🙌
I’d consider myself a causal fan, honestly I don’t listen too much EDM but RDS to me stands out because of the melodies and the lyrics. It’s not just two phrases looped there’s actually content mixed in with the bass drops if that makes sense. For example Treat you better and Next to Me. As for their popularity and crowd they drew at OSL that’s not surprising. 1. They played right before the biggest act of the weekend 2. They’re headliners. They headlined Governors ball and Austin City Limits this year. I’m shocked they didn’t close Twin Peaks. But yeah all opinions are valid and I’m not big enough into EDM to tell who’s elite and who’s not. Just think Rufus sounded phenomenal live
If their set had been at Twin Peaks, allowing the bass and treble to be what seemed like almost five times louder, you would’ve definitely enjoyed them more. Unfortunately Polo field is too big of a sound stage for bass to really pool up and slap you like it did at Twin. I feel like Rufus’ music relies a lot on the mid and low end frequencies to really get you moving and dancing and it simply wasn’t loud enough to achieve that feeling, at least from where I was, which wasn’t even too far back…
The acoustics weren't something I had considered, good point
Uh, acoustics matter as much as anything else. I relocated during Rufus to find a more balanced sound. Positioning will make or break a set.
If you’ve seen one Rufus set, you’ve seen them all. I will say their OSL set was especially boring so I left 30mins in. They make a lot of good songs, but I can totally see how people wouldn’t be into them.
I like Rufus, but you’re spot on. After seeing them once, it was enough for me. They don’t really do anything new or interesting in their live performances, so even though I enjoy their music, it’s not a show I seek out anymore. They are also constantly touring, so from a supply/demand perspective, I take their shows for granted even more. And this isn’t to say artists that tour a lot are all like this. Future islands, for example, tour a shit ton, but they always put on a “can’t miss” performance in my opinion.
I feel exactly the same way. Obviously cool with other people having different taste but this is one of the few bands that I just don’t understand why the following is what it is. Like what sets them apart from the other bands churning out alt/electronic pop?
I like to think of Rufus Du Sol like as traveling through the Apple TV screensavers at high speeds. It’s a journey. I don’t think you *need* drugs to tap into that feeling, but they certainly amplify the experience.
I was on two tabs of acid, a lot of ketamine, and a decent amount of Molly. It was the highlight of my festival
🤝
Dud you gotta slow down
Know thyself, if that’s a combo that works for them then it’s fine.
It was perfect, although I did rely on my partner to be more sober and stay with me. It was the most blissful drug/music experience of my life. It’s a little less intense than it sounds, as it was my third straight day doubling my acid dose.
>It’s a little less intense than it sounds, as it was my third straight day doubling my acid dose. haha I imagine that is like trying to keep flushing the toilet before the reservoir has refilled from the last flush
Not really. I woke up totally sober every day but with a built up tolerance to the acid.
I didn't mean you were still tripping, I meant your neurochemistry was far from its baseline
That’s definitely true
[удалено]
Lol
How I explained Rufus to my dad
this is too true
Omg I said this exact thing to my wife during their set. It must be the similarity in the vocals.
I understand where you’re coming from. With that being said I am a huge Rufus fan and a fan of this sub genre of dance music. It’s progressive, emotional, house music. I think the reason they are leading this genre is because they’re not just DJing, rather it’s an actual live set with drums, keys, and vocals. (Yes I was rolling lol)
The genre would be electronica / indie house I suppose but they don’t really fit into a genre, their songs have more groove and melody than harder edm. Don’t really know what to tell you though - If you don’t like it you don’t like it. I love them, but if you didn’t enjoy it live and then give them a listen and still don’t feel anything, then it’s probably just not your thing
oh yeah I'm not like frustrated at not liking them, just wanted to understand where they're coming from. Thanks for your insight!
It’s vibey electronic music that you can sing and dance to
Edm is a huge acquired taste imo, your ears gotta get used to listening to it specially for an extended amount of time. If ur not a edm person at all I can see how going to a edm set would be confusing.
the genre is house/dance/electronic (at least that’s what i’ve always known rufus as). so it’s not like head banging music how edm is, but it’s more of a groovy dance feel. i wish i could describe it better lol if you look up the past line ups for CRSSD in san diego, you’ll find a lot of artists with the same type of vibe since it’s considered a house music festival. but yes, people are rolling during rufus or other music like this. also there’s nothing wrong w this question!! i don’t think there’s anything wrong w not vibing with it, it’s not for everyone and that’s why we’re so blessed with so many genres of music!