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Live Review: Feature Artist: The Rubens

31 January 2012 | 12:09 pm | Staff Writer

Here’s the first thing you need to know about THE RUBENS: My mum really likes their shit.

Here’s the first thing you need to know about THE RUBENS: My mum really likes their shit. That’s probably the best possible way I know of to validate the absolute authenticity of their soulful, Sixties-influenced blues-rock sound amidst a sea of other bands trying to emulate the same sound. (You know, sort-of-but-not-really like The Black Keys...) 

The Rubens are also endorsed by Triple J. In 2011 they earned themselves bulk airtime on Triple J thanks to Unearthed Rotation before going on to win Triple J’s Unearthed competition. Most importantly, following Australia Day’s 2011 Hottest 100 countdown, it’s pretty safe to say that music-loving peeps Australia-wide want to make babies to the sweet, sweet sound of their hauntingly soulful, utterly mesmerizing tracks. (They came in at #57 with 'Lay It Down', a track that wouldn't sound of out place warbling from an old-school record player.)

2011 was a year of successes for the New South Wales four-piece – comprising of the three Margin brothers, Zaac (guitar), Elliot (responsible for the snazzy organ work) and Sam (of moist-making vocals), and their childhood friend, Scott Baldwin (drummer) – as they went from strength to strength. Though the band formed in February of 2011, their first year saw them jumping hurdles faster than Jana Pittman. To wit, they made their interstate debut at CAN’T SAY alongside The Betty Airs; were featured on FasterLouder’s October playlist; went international after ‘Lay It Down’ was played on Lauren Laverne’s BBC6 Morning Show and featured as BBC6 Morning Show’s daily MPFree; and, played Sydney’s Homebake Festival.

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THE RUBENS have certainly been busy, busy little bees after recording their three demo songs in eldest brother Sam’s bedroom.

Early 2012 will see them recording their debut album in New York with super-producer David Khane. (Former credits include The Strokes and Paul McCartney. He’s kind of a big deal.) Purple Sneakers are beyond excited to be announce we will be covering THE RUBENS time in New York, providing you with recording updates, photos and musings from the band and their manager Tim Baker. Stay tuned, more on this to come next week.

If the haunting beauty of tracks like 'My Gun' and ‘Lay It Down’ don’t have you falling in love with THE RUBEN’s, then the heartbreakingly earnest lyrics crooned by singer Sam Margin surely will.

Follow the boys on Facebook HERE.