Project Description
THE RUBENS
‘LO LA RU’
(Album Review)
Reviewer – Meg Price
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The Rubens are a 5-piece, rock band from New South Wales and have recently graced us with their third album since forming in 2011. They rose to stardom in 2015 when their song Hoops took the #1 spot in Triple J’s Hottest 100. Ever since then they have been touring the country and working on their much-awaited album LO LA RU.
By now I’m sure we’ve all become familiar with the tune Million Man; a single released by The Rubens last year which made #78 in Triple J’s Hottest 100. Earlier this year The Rubens also graced us with the track Never Ever which laid the groundwork for their new sound. LO LA RU is the new Rubens album which was released on the 29th of June. It explores some new refreshing sounds which are starkly different from not only their rock and roll roots, but the current mainstream music climate. LO LA RU brings together rhythm and blues, as well as soul to create a colourful and progressive album which explores the classic themes of romance, relationship and heartbreak, curating them in a new light.
This album progresses almost like a musical, with the heartfelt vocals, dramatic choral choruses and storytelling nature of the lyrics.
It opens with the familiar song Million Man which starts as a catchy little ditty, then progressing to a full bodied and confident chorus which perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album. This song also introduces the harmonies and dramatic crescendos which will be featured throughout the rest of the album.
The second song, Go On, feels like the star of the album, and is my personal favourite. This song utilizes complex syncopation and cross phrasing in its musicality, yet still comes across as a simple and catchy tune.
I know truly displays The Rubens new sound as it exhibits their new rhythm and blues sound and is somewhat reminiscent of a late Amy Winehouse in the way they can bring soul into 2018.
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The next track Never Ever was the second single released to tease the album and was played frequently on the radio. This song vaguely resembles a musical as lead vocalist Sam duets with featured singer Sarah as they both share their perspective of their relationship. In the beginning the two are accompanied by a simple piano, as instruments are gradually added in the piano acts as a narrator as it helps to carry the melody with the two vocalists. This song breaks barriers in the industry as it stands as a one of a kind.
Another one of my personal favourites and sure to be added to everyone’s breakup playlist is Freak Out. Sam’s graceful and soulful vocals are truly displayed in this full bodied and heartbreaking ballad. To accompany such vocals are lyrics which will resonate with anyone who has been through a breakup or romantic turmoil with chilling lyrics like “I told you, in every way but the words.” The emotional honesty in these lyrics are unsettling in the most beautiful way. Finally, to truly round out and complete this song, brass is brought into the end embellishing the emotion and growth of the melody and completely taking the dimension of this song to the next level.
God Forgot is the peppy, pick-me-up dance number in this LO LA RU musical, utilizing the same brass section to create a celebratory and grateful atmosphere.
Woman Oh Woman once again gives tribute to the swingy, soulful Winehouse as they large bodied bass leads the song and its groovy sound.
Casper, SOSO and Mary all do well to contribute to the sounds set up by the previous tracks of the album. These songs all demonstrate a new bluesy sound but also pay tribute to their previous sound with a deeper rock feel shining through, especially in singles like SOSO which truly sounds like it could’ve come from the Hoops album.
Teeth is in the same chapter as Freak Out in the way that it comes from a place of heart break. The echoed guitar and soft-spoken vocals create an eerie atmosphere which is amplified by the rhythmic drumming and symbol rolls displayed in the chorus and bridge.
The final song and closing act of LO LA RU is a 7 minute tune called All My Dollars. In essence, this is two songs with a small interlude in the middle to separate them. The first song in this is a salute to opening song Million Man with the same up beat drums and mixture of clicks and claps for percussion and chorus work instead of rhythmic guitar. The second half features a slow and synthesised drum beat, something not really featured in the rest of the album, it also utilizes organs instead of the classic piano which was comfortably used throughout. Sam’s vocals however, are still soulful and slurred to set a sad and sentimental tone. This song builds to create another dramatic end for not only the song but the entire album.
Overall the album carries strong musical motifs in its heavenly harmonies, honest vocals and tone setting drum work. It carries stories and themes expertly to tell an overarching story of love and loss. The Rubens are extremely successful in displaying their new sounds of blues and soul with cinematic moments scattered throughout. This killer album has the perfect mix of blues and rock, that is sure to be just as good; if not better on stage. Their next tour will be one I’m sure to see.
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Photo – Giulia Giannini McGauran
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