Ruphus were a progressive rock band from Oslo, Norway who formed in 1970 and released a string of albums throughout the decade and eventually disbanded in 1981. New Born Day was their debut album, released in 1973 on Polydor and now being reissued by Karisma Records. Also of note, much of the Ruphus catalog is part of this reissue series, and all are being remastered from the original masters by Jacob HolmLupo of White Willow and The Opium Cartel.
Though the band had a revolving door of line-up changes throughout their career, the members for this debut consisted of:
Asle Nilsen - Bass guitar , flute
Hans Petter Danielsen - Guitar
Kjell Larsen - Guitar , flute
Haakon Graf - Organ , piano , vibraphone
Thor Bendiksen - Percussion
Gudny Aspaas - Vowel
Rune Sundby - Vocal , acoustic guitar , saxophone
The dynamic between the male & female co-lead vocals is apparent right from the first two tracks "Colored Dreams" and "Scientific Ways", both singers playing off each other well and in many instances sharing the same vocal lines quite effectively. They are surrounded my rock riffs, a wealth of vintage keyboards, flute, and nimble rhythms. "Still Alive" sees acrobatic Hammond organ and leathery bass lines doing battle, Rune's vocals taking center stage on this one, while "The Man Who Started It All" is more of a dramatic number, majestic piano, Hammond organ, effective riffing, muscular bass, and soaring vocals sounding very close to classic Uriah Heep. Gudny lends her potent lead vocals to "Trapped in a Game", another forceful Hammond/guitar driven track, and the title cut takes the band into Yes/Gentle Giant/King Crimson territory, complex rhythms bubbling under percolating Hammond, savage guitar lines, and tremendous bass grooves, all while Gudny again sings to the stratosphere. Saved for last is the near 9-minute prog gem "Day After Tomorrow", acrobatic arrangements allowing for all sorts of little impressive solo bits and tradeoffs, a fine piece that just screams classic Scandinavian progressive rock.
The band would be back a year later with Ranshart, an equally impressive outing that will be looked at shortly. It's a shame that Ruphus aren't mentioned often during discussions of long lost '70s prog classics...New Born Day surely is one, and thanks to Karisma Records for unearthing this superb album for all to enjoy once again or for the very first time.
Track Listing
1) Colored Dreams" - 4: 4
2) Scientific Ways" - 5:59
3) Still Alive" - ​​4:35
4) The Man Who Started It All" - 5:28
5) Trapped In A Game" - 6:06
6) New Born Day" - 5:43
7) Day After Tomorrow" - 8:47
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