On September 14th, The Rubens will be releasing their anticipated debut, self-titled LP. We recently received a sampler with a few of the tracks off the album, and Tahlia Pritchard gives us her verdict...

Chances are if you haven’t heard of The Rubens, you will soon. I got the pleasure of being able to listen to some sample tracks from their forthcoming album, and the little teaser is definitely enough to make me wait in eager anticipation for a full-length release from this young band, due out in September.

The best and most simple way to describe the sound by The Rubens is bluesy-rock, which is demonstrated perfectly in their single out now ‘My Gun.’
‘My Gun’ is an ever-catchy tune, with Sam Margin’s husky and soulful vocals drawing the listener in. It’s the type of song that will have you bopping your head and singing along almost instantaneously.

‘The Best We Got’ opens on soft piano before bursting into a louder, toe-tapping sound, with a catchy chorus. The mix of more diverse horn instruments and tinkling piano keys teamed with Margin’s vocals creates a unique and appealing sound.

‘Never Be The Same’ is a more melancholic coming of age tune, starting slowly and gradually building up to include louder, crashing drums and shredding guitar. It tells a story within the song, which is portrayed through lyrics such as ‘Took something bad/to show me what I had.”

Final tracks ‘Be Gone’ and ‘Lay It Down’ are also amazing pieces of work. ‘Be Gone’ is a 3 minute gem of a song, with a focus more so on intricate guitar and Margins vocals taking on a huskier, edgier sound, that blends in perfectly with the more tortured lyrics. ‘Lay It Down’ has a sound slightly reminiscent to older Kings Of Leon songs, straight up bluesy rock and roll, which is demonstrated particularly in the higher notes of the chorus.

With a national tour to start in September-October, it’s time to sit up and pay attention to this Sydney band. Bluesy tunes soaked with soul, teamed with great instrumentals and strong, heartfelt lyrics. They’re like the band you sit in a smoky pub, drinking whiskey and listening to. But better. Way, way better.

Full album is released September 14th on Ivy League Records