The Ruby Cord

'The Ruby Cord' concludes Richard Dawson's thematic trilogy with a set of epic narratives set in a futuristic, liminal world where reality and virtuality blur, famously opening with the 41-minute track, "The Hermit". The album's avant-garde folk sound combines Dawson's intricate and raw acoustic guitar work with his distinctively emotive, often-strained vocals, while synthesizers, harp, and strings add atmospheric depth to the sprawling compositions. This production creates a soundscape that feels both ancient and digitally glitched, reflecting the album's lyrical exploration of a collapsed, sci-fi society.