THE RITUALISTS – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTIAN DRYDEN
Photo credit: RP
By Ralph Beauchamp
Christian Dryden is the lead vocalist and bassist for the singular ensemble, The Ritualists. The band hails from NYC and has a total unique vibe. Combine the captivating grooves of New York Dolls and The Cult with the sonic energy of T. Rex and you may come close to their sound. The Ritualists have released several singles in advance of their upcoming album, Too Pure to Cure, dropping on 4/22 via Suite484Music. Besides Dryden, the group is comprised of Jeffrey Andrew (Keyboards), David Andreana (Guitars) and Eric Kuby ( Drums).
Recorded at Clive Davis Studios in Brooklyn and mixed and co-produced by GRAMMY®-winner Mario J McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Laurie Anderson, Glen Matlock, Lou Reed), Too Pure to Cure follows the The Ritualists’ sophomore album, the critically hailed Baroque and Bleeding (2021) which Post-Punk.com called “a goth glam rock opus.” The two recent singles are “You Know Better” and “The Wake”. “You Know Better” is a majestic romp that features rampaging vocals coupled with infectious guitar riffs and a tenacious cadence. The keyboards add a supersized ambiance full of lush intonations. With “You Know Better”, The Ritualists have unleashed a sonic tsunami.
“The Wake” is an impetuous cinematic soundscape. Dryden’s vocals are smooth with a groove laden appeal. The sublime arrangement is pure perfection. The guitars float softly throughout the track while Andrew’s keyboards flourish. The entire song has an uplifting feel with a transcendent underling message. “The Wake” pays homage to two of Dryden’s inspirations from his youth: his love for classic dark fantasy films like The Never Ending Story and their unforgettable theme songs and the overtly pop-leaning sounds of the New Romantic era of music, such as Duran Duran. The track feels comfortable and warm with an immense modern twist.
Christian Dryden was kind enough to sit with AMP for this cool conversation.
AMP: Can you give us a brief history of the band?
CHRISTIAN: Sure thing. The concept of The Ritualists, for me, has always been a sound I’ve had in my brain, for pretty much, ever. I was lucky enough to find a very like-minded synth player/piano maestro in Jeffrey Andrew. He and I had been collaborating on various projects and then formed The Ritualists with guitar ace, David Andreana. The lineup was solidified with the addition of Eric Kuby on the drums. It is my goal to blend elements of post punk/glam/new wave and art rock, while also putting forth a presentation reminiscent of the classic, legendary bands we all look back to and love.
AMP: Who are some of the band’s early influences?
CHRISTIAN: The Doors, The Kinks, Bowie, Duran Duran, Roxy Music, Echo & the Bunnymen, Suede.
AMP: Your sound incorporates elements of glam, punk and new wave. How would you describe your music?
CHRISTIAN: Someone else did a better job than I, at the aptly named, Hollywood Life mag when they referred to us as, “Gothic Art Rock.” I think that about sums it up.
AMP: Your new single is “You Know Better.” Can you give us some insights into the track?
CHRISTIAN: It was based on a dancey, bass groove I was toying with. I wanted to really push the other guys into a dark disco mode of thinking/playing. Lyrically, it is a critique of the critics. Not necessarily music critics, but know-it-alls of every stripe, many of whom fancy themselves “experts,” due to a 30 second Wiki &/or Google search. I’m not immune to this sort of plastic PhD nonsense as well, and I acknowledge that throughout the song.
AMP: What is your creative process like?
CHRISTIAN: It is never intentional and comes from many different angles, whether it be a melody that comes to me in the shower (“The Wake”), a bass riff that sticks in my head and cries out for a vocal (“You Know Better”) or even a dream (“King of Air”). I’ll take inspiration from anywhere I can find it.
AMP: You’ve worked with Mario J McNulty in the studio. How was that experience?
CHRISTIAN: Mario is marvelous! He is great at putting quite disparate pieces together & making everything gel really well. The level of clarity he achieves, even when dealing with multiple layers of Jeffrey’s keyboard excursions is astounding.
AMP: What kind of themes do you incorporate in your songs?
CHRISTIAN: Mythology, technology, loss, death, and pain
AMP: I cut my teeth during the early CBGB’s scene with artists like Blondie, Dead Boys and The Dictators. How has the Lower East Side music scene morphed?
CHRISTIAN: I wasn’t there for that, so I envy you! I’ve been told it is much more tame and it is much, much smaller. However, there is still a very loyal group of rockers who are very supportive and we love them to death.
AMP: Too Pure To Cure, your new album, drops on April 22nd. How psyched are you?
CHRISTIAN: I’m very excited to put this music out. I think it really reflects a newfound chemistry within the band and some new territory for me as a songwriter.
AMP: If you could collab with any current artist, who would it be and why?
CHRISTIAN: I’m quite blown away by The Horrors’ new stuff, generally. I think it’d be really interesting to get together with Faris Badwan and see what kind of strange noises we could make.
AMP: What does the future look like for The Ritualists?
CHRISTIAN: We have just released our latest single/video, “The Wake,” which is inspired by young adult dark fantasy stuff. I think the video is a fun departure for the band & despite some obviously kitschy elements, the overall vibe has some real emotional resonance.
We are doing a mini tour of the south from April 25th-27th, playing Slim’s in Raleigh, Downtown Public House in Wilson and Westville Pub in Asheville. We will then be back for a May 20 show at Nublu in NYC and an official album release party at the rooftop of Our Wicked Lady on June 7th!
To learn more about Ritualists, check out their Website
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