Song of the Day: Ruthven “Hypothalamus”

Song of the Day: Ruthven "Hypothalamus"

Song of the Day: Ruthven “Hypothalamus”

In 2016, the mysterious and obsessed over British electronic musician Jai Paul launched The Paul Institute with his brother A.K. Paul. Initially low on details, it was eventually revealed to be a label and artist incubator.

The Paul Institute is as deliberate with its releases as its founders have been with their own, consisting of a very small roster of artists releasing a slow trickle of projects. It’s clearly a focus of quality over quantity and for this writer and DJ, a much appreciated approach.

My fave of the bunch so far is Ruthven‘s “Hypothalamus” from 2018. A brooding, synth pop burner over a driving shuffle rhythm, “Hypothalamus” reveals an intriguing patchwork of influences Ruthven draws from. The artist himself cites Prince, D’Angelo, Kate Bush, and Peter Gabriel as muses who informed his development. After the soaring choruses, Ruthven’s plaintive vocal is bookended by a strong guitar solo from A.K. Paul himself.

 
Song of the Day: Ruthven "Hypothalamus"