Ruby Sparks - "California Honey"
Los Angeles’ Ruby Sparks describes their music as appealing to “fans of the hit teen American drama series The O.C. who also voted for Bernie Sanders.” While I can’t necessarily pick up any strong political leanings in their songs (although I strongly believe that indie rock is definitely not for Republicans), I could imagine Ruby Sparks’ music appearing alongside Rooney in Episode 15 of Season 1 of that classic aughts television show. Titled “The Third Wheel,” the hour-long episode includes some extended scenes where main characters Seth, Summer, and the rest of their crew venture out to see the Robert Schwartzman fronted quintet at an unnamed Orange County club. Ruby Sparks would fit in perfectly as the opening act on that fictional 2004 bill, with their slick and sunny brand of indie rock nicely setting the stage for Rooney’s British Invasion-inspired power pop. Maybe we can make that happen in some O.C. fan fiction if that exists. It should if it doesn’t!
Last week, Ruby Sparks shared their latest EP, California Honey, and today, we’re excited to premiere the video for the title track. Staying true to its name, “California Honey” is overflowing with west coast sweetness. Frontperson and principal songwriter Jake Sternberg incorporates some saccharine vocal harmonies, which come sharply into focus in the choruses, and anchors the entire track with an earworm-y guitar riff that shares space with a toe-tapping beat. It’s super poppy and probably the most danceable track on the entire EP, fusing a series of electric grooves with the kind of witty lyricism that’ll make you want to sing along.
The video, which was directed by Joanna Monfreda, is highly cinematic and works in several “honey” references, both literally and figuratively. The video features a series of beekeepers and a character towards the end who gives Sternberg some honey, before the two dance and prance around the picturesque Hollywood Hills.
Stream the video below!
The California Honey EP is available to purchase on Bandcamp. You can also stream it on Spotify. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.
