Electronic music isn’t my first love, but RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Surrender, released in 2021, goes a long way to shifting that viewpoint for its house with a mix of alternative rock vibe connects with my soul in a way that I wasn’t expecting. Surrender is uplifting, relaxing, but most importantly is an exceptional piece of musical art.
Compared to their prior releases, Surrender is their most polished and overall tightest composition that expands their creativity to such an extent that Surrender is anything but predictable while remaining entirely familiar. Subsequently, it showcases a level of artistry that has evolved beyond core elements alone and sees RÜFÜS DU SOL further advance their unique sound that will continue to set them apart from their contemporaries.
Surrender is also their first album delivered in Dolby Atmos. Compared to the already immersive, and utterly impressive, stereo mix, the Dolby Atmos edition gives a fuller sound. If you’re using headphones, such as Apple’s AirPods Pro, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the experience over the standard stereo mix for you’ll feel enveloped in the music. That said, via speakers, I find the stereo mix is the stronger of the two so it comes down to how you like to listen to music. Perhaps the Dolby Atmos edition is best described as different, rather than better, but you’ll really notice the benefits of the surround mix on songs such as See You Again, On My Knees, and Surrender.
Next To Me has a masterful haunting piano opening that, remains central to the mix as the soundstage builds. It’s a stunning opener, but perhaps the greatest sense of imagery comes from the lyrics:
And when the lights come down
I want to feel you standing next to me
As someone with two left feet, and therefore not a clubbing enthusiast, it would be easy to dismiss the meaning behind these lyrics, but in our modern era, where music is not as easily experienced in person, Next To Me reaches into your soul and when the beat drops you’ll feel the intended emotional elements.
Make It Happen is one of those unique love songs that many of us would long for; having found the one we love earlier in life if only to have spent more time in pure emotional bliss. Initially, the children’s choir approach to the chorus seemed a little campy, but the more I listen to Make It Happen, the more I see the innocence and intent in this style. Plus, it strangely works perfectly with the musicality that will have you moving involuntarily to the rhythm.
See You Again has a sense of positivity that is needed in an uncertain world. The layering of music, while indicative of this form of musical art, is extraordinarily tight here with every element perfectly positioned, resulting in an immersive soundstage that will amaze you as it envelops you.
I Don’t Wanna Leave has a slightly slower tempo compared to some of the other songs on the album, yet the authority of the music remains as it slowly builds. It may not instantly get the dance floor shaking, but will certainly be memorable as I Don’t Wanna Leave is one of the best songs on Surrender.
Alive is a masterpiece, both musically and lyrically, and was rightfully the lead single from Surrender. It is one of those songs that allows the listener to decide how they choose to interpret meaning and while some may point to its moodier tone, I prefer to look at the positive aspects of the song acknowledging, all the while, that at least I’m alive.
Alive (Reprise) is a lovely musical-only interlude. Is it necessary? Well, no, but if it were to open Side 2 of the upcoming vinyl counterpart, then it acts as a connective element.
On My Knees is gripping. The beat, the vocal aspects, the overall musicality, will get you moving even if you’re, a little more reserved like I am, meaning that On My Knees is not only an exceptional song but one of the best by RÜFÜS DU SOL and one that will be, in my opinion, a landmark track in the alternate dance genre as it’s an evolution of the art.
Wildfire is an interesting song that never really arrives, despite the slow build. It is intentional, no doubt, but does it work? Subjectively, I don’t think so, but your opinion may likely differ.
Surrender is incredibly multi-layered and takes a few listens to connect with the song beyond its backbeat. It’s beautiful and perfectly suited as the title track and as it slowly builds, the listener is taken on a journey that can only be described as a genesis moment.
Devotion isn’t a bad tune but I’d class it as album filler as it’s somewhat predictable and doesn’t forge new ground.
Always is the culmination of all that has come before and, as the closing track, it encourages me to listen to Surrender again. As with many songs on the album, the concept is based on despondency but as the song builds it delivers a sense of hope. Given the times at which this album was recorded, and the world it enters into upon its release, this is the kind of message that we all need more than ever before.
Surrender is so addictive that I can’t help but put it on repeat. I want more, yet the 53-minute runtime is absolutely perfect ensuring that I leave the album feeling rejoiced, empowered, and relaxed. If the aim of music is to allow music-lovers to feel emotion, then the trio that is RÜFÜS DU SOL have transcended themselves on Surrender to achieve that very result.