Titled after the British slang definition of an obsessive enthusiast, Anorak is a reference to a person who has an unfathomable interest in something and feels compelled to talk at length about it. The project was produced by acclaimed roster of Aaron Sprinkle (Copeland, Anberlin), Chris Keene (Surrogate, Number One Gun), and Kelsey Smith. The album was also mixed by Ken Andrews (Mae, Pete Yorn) and JR McNeely (The Almost, Relient K).

"I would hope that the music we play is something a little more timeless," band's founder, singer/guitarist Dustin Ruth confesses. "Hopefully whomever gets one of our albums ten years from now, they're driving somewhere, and they can still listen to these songs and enjoy it. Our ten year goal for the band is that no matter what, we would still be real, that we would still be who we are, no matter how many records we sold."

Written primarily at rest stops and hotels, Anorak captures the emotions and experiences of watching dreams come true and others fall beyond reach. Ruth's music is liberating, freeing and uplifting, while at the same time avoiding the pitfalls of cliché and easy, safe or predictable melodies. Anorak is at once challenging and yet simple to understand, recalling the best of '80s radio, '90's English pop and contemporary indie without sounding derivative of any particular genre.

"This one feels more like a band album," Dustin says. "We had a lot more time to develop through a year and a half of solid touring. It made going into this album a lot different. As a songwriter, I put a lot more time and devotion into writing the songs that we really wanted on this album. These songs were written more intentionally for this album."

The band will also return to the touring sector with Decemberadio after a summer filled with dates. Check out their MySpace for updated dates.

About the album & songs:
"Nothing to Hide" is one of Dustin's favorite songs he's written in over a decade of making music. The song is about "wanting to love someone right and wanting to be loved right," a universal feeling that connects instantly to the music. "Speechless Mess" is one example of the collaborative band efforts on Anorak where everyone who touched the song really worked hard to give it their best. It's less of a pop single than a deep album cut, the type of song that grows and grows upon repeated listens. "Pure Concept" is the band's favorite song to play live, a rocking track reminiscent of The Cars. "Dead Giveaway" speaks to our Creator's love one sees reflected touring the world and taking in the grandeur of nature. "That song is about traveling and seeing obvious signs of something bigger than we are," elaborates Dustin.

About Ruth:
Ruth isn't just the last name of the band's founder, singer / guitarist Dustin Ruth. When his longtime collaborator Nick Wiinikka suggested they call their fledgling group "Ruth" one night while watching a talk show on television, Dustin gave it a lot of thought until something special came to him, arriving with powerful force: Ruth as an acronym. 'Return Us To Him'

"We feel like our songs are a gift. Really what it boils down to is that playing this music keeps us closer to God. The music is returning us to who He wants us to be. And I know I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing and I'm not willing to give that up for anything." -Dustin Ruth shares about the band's moniker.

Hailing from Battle Ground, Washington the band is comprised of Dustin Ruth (Vocals + Guitar), Brett Van Liew (Bass), Ryan Peterson (Drums) and Nicholas Winnikka (Guitar).