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EXCLUSIVE SONG: Born Ruffians Get Soulful

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Say It, the second full-length from Toronto trio Born Ruffians, comes out June 1, and while it’s still chilly in many parts of the continent right now, the album’s first single, “What to Say,” is a welcome flash forward to summertime — listen to an exclusive stream below.

With a twinkling guitar riff from frontman Luke Lalonde and a lazy “Dock of the Bay” bassline from Mitch DeRosier, “What to Say” is an afternoon delight that laments the difficulties of communicating, especially when alcohol’s involved.

“When I woke up I’m speaking slow,” Lalonde sings. “When I get drunk I’m speaking more / Get too drunk and I don’t speak at all / Get too close to you and I don’t know / What to say.”

“‘What to Say’ is about how much and how little sense we make when we speak,” Lalonde tells SPIN.com. “It’s about the multitude of wrong words and the never-ending search for the right ones. May you choose wisely.”

Are the Ruffians making wise choices on this new song? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

LISTEN: Born Ruffians, “What To Say”

Born Ruffians North American tour dates:
May 28, Toronto, ON (Horseshoe Tavern)
June 3, Los Angeles, CA (Echo)
June 4, San Francisco, CA (Rickshaw Stop)
June 6, Portland, OR (Holocene)
June 7, Seattle, WA (The Vera Project)
June 8, Victoria, BC (Alix Goolden Hall)
June 9, Vancouver, BC (The Biltmore Cabaret)
June 11, Edmonton, AB (Starlite Room)
June 12, Calgary, AB (Republik)
June 13, Saskatoon, SK (Amigo’s)
June 14, Winnipeg, MB (West End Cultural Centre)
June 15, Minneapolis, MN (Turf Club)
June 16, Chicago, IL (Lincoln Hall)
June 17, Cleveland, OH (Beachland Tavern)
June 18, Brooklyn, NY (The Bell House)
June 19, New York, NY (Santos Party House)
June 20, Allston, MA (Great Scott)
June 23, Montreal, QC (Il Motore)
June 24, Ottawa, ON (Mavericks)
June 25, Peterborough, ON (Red Dog)