Off the back of massive airplay for their single ‘Don’t Ever Want To Be Found’, the three brothers and a mate from Menangle, that are The Rubens, release their debut self-titled album, full of smooth, bluesy, rootsy tracks that glide along effortlessly at a relaxed pace, with the help of plenty of organ and Sam Margins’s soulful croon – best displayed in the chorus of ‘Lay It Down’. The three singles already released from this album are very strong (the hook from their latest, ‘My Gun’ will get stuck in your head for days), but there are plenty of other gems. Listening to this record reminded me of a summer festival. Not one with thousands of sweaty, shirtless men and girls in shorts that show off half their arse, but the chilled out kind, with a welcoming vibe where you can park yourself on a grassy knoll and enjoy the atmosphere and sunshine. The Rubens are like that great band you catch by accident when you get to the festival early. Their sound is relaxed, unique and promising. You don’t know much about them but you feel as though you’ve made a real discovery.
Ivy League
4/5
Reviewer: Amelia Parrott