The Ruse

Jim Blus, Jason Young, and John Dauer have been very close friends for over 12 years which is why when it comes to being in a band, traveling the country four times over with a fifth on its way, and almost three albums later there is no friction in their personal and artistic relationships...

Ending CMJ's five-day run of bands and booze, an eclectic group of bands were slated for a midnight party at NYC's Cutting Room.

Light In Motion is a breathless, impassioned, honest album with all the qualities that invoke feelings of being mellow and lustful, sultry and comfy. The Ruse has a melodic, soothing, cultivated sound with influences from U2, Coldplay, and Travis. The Ruse’s frontman, John Dauer’s voice is smooth, mellow, and rich. He also has the enviable ability to be hauntingly emotive.

Earlier this week I got to chat with John Dauer about The Ruse’s song writing. I was also given a sneak preview of their newest, hot-from-the-studio songs.

"It was religion."

The L.A.-based quartet known as The Ruse is going to be something special...

"Rock band shines on independent sophomore release"

"I love everything about this album. This is the most complete and mature album from an unsigned band I have ever heard. Being this good now means they must, eventually, become rock gods. If you're this talented you really have no choice in the matter."

"Yep, you should buy this CD because it is really that good."

The clock ticks, the countdown has begun and the Ruse is ready to explode.

"Each song on this album is great; it is not too terribly much of a surprise that the band has been burning up the CMJ charts as of late."

"Their debut album will amaze listeners and surely make them fans for life."

"The music is so British I can see the parade outside Buckingham palace in front of me and feel that typical smell from an English pub,now where's that pint?"

"...The Ruse sounds more inclined to call Wembley "home" than The Viper Room."

If this band doesn’t become the next big thing, then the only ruse that’s going on is the music labels’ lack of proper A&R as this band remains unsigned to a major.

"...there’s no doubt that Light In Motion showcases the talent of a band that deserve the accolade of being the indie U2."

"Brilliant Stuff"

"Check them out now while they are still small, because they are headed for big things! These guys are great!"

"If its new album Light In Motion is any indication, the Ruse will be around for a long time."

I haven’t heard a more solid album then “Light In Motion” in the last year or so.

THE RUSE SET LIGHT IN MOTION ON SOPHOMORE RELEASE DUE OUT FEBRUARY 28, 2006