“I had to get away from the madness,” Soviet’s Keith Ruggiero unearthed his roots from the East Coast asphalt. The subsequent six-year sabbatical proved to be a panacea, allowing music to bubble up to the surface again.

While Soviet is now entirely solo, Ruggiero initially converged with college comrade, Christopher Otchy. Their first album We Are Eyes, We Are Builders fused human emotions with embellished melodies, luscious synths, and austere beats. Soviet took a swing at the most sparkling, pure remnants of the 80’s and made them their own. Eventually Soviet grew to five, adding guitarist Kenan Gunduz, bassist Greg Kochan and keyboardist Amanda Lynn. Through dozens of passionate, successful shows around NYC and several nationwide tours, Soviet built themselves a fiercely devoted fanbase. After years of hard work, amiability, and good songs, Soviet would finally ride this vehicle to acclaim, only to be burned out by its simultaneous injuries.

After Ruggiero’s restorative break from the music industry’s grind, Soviet is primed to both find favor with old fans and to win over new ones. With its wealth of earnest emotions and assemblage of catchy melodies,like a gem waiting to be re-discovered.