Rusholme Ruffians is a Jacksonville, FL-based quartet once heralded by Jacksonville's Folio Weekly as the city's "best coiffed rock-n'-roll band," Rusholme Ruffians is more known for a catalog of explosive post-punk and captivating live shows than glorious hairstyles. 2011 not only marks the release of Obstacle, the band's first full-length, but a renewed focus on spreading the Ruffians' fan base throughout Florida and the rest of the world.
The 10-track DIY release "Obstacle" is a 44 minute foray into power-pop, post-punk, and prog rock that maintains the cohesive aggressive, yet catchy sound that has become Rusholme Ruffians' trademark. "Obstacle" is not the first time the Ruffians have spent time in the studio. Other releases include The Demo EP, "Cat Song/Educated Idiot" and "Wedding Day/Robbie" singles, and contributions to local compilations.
Beginning in 2008, Rusholme Ruffians started as an homage to alternative pioneers The Smiths.As the tribute act-era wound down, the band chose a path that took the band's other tastes into account. The Ruffians sound still reflects the Smiths influence, but bands as diverse as The Who, Blondie, King Crimson, Bad Religion, and New Order can be heard among a countless list of others. Thanks to the change, the Ruffians have been fortunate to share the stage with nationally and globally known acts like 100 Monkeys (feat. Jackson Rathbone of Twilight), Hypernova (Iran), NOMORE, Oma's Zwerge (Germany), and Feeding Fingers.
Jay Stamper— Guitars
Chris Hartman—Bass
