By Deb Kloeden, Rock At Night Adelaide correspondent
Venue: HQ Complex, Adelaide. 17th June 2016–The Rubens, Hold Me Back Tour
Australian blues/soul/rock band, The Rubens, are currently touring the country on their ‘Hold Me Back’ tour, performing music from both their albums, The Rubens and Hoops. The Rubens came onto the scene in 2011 with their debut single ‘Lay it down’. The 2nd single, ‘My Gun’, soon followed. Both songs really caught my attention. In January this year, Hoops, the title track from their 2nd album, was voted #1 in Triple J’s Hottest 100. How quickly they have risen to this prestigious fame.
I first saw the Rubens in October, 2012 at a Triple J Aria event in Sydney. Here they presented themselves as keen, newbies on the block. Friday night in Adelaide was a totally different story. There was no naive innocence about their show. In fact lead singer, Sam Margin, came onto the stage, cigarette in mouth, just to prove they can get away with anything.
The show opened with the popular ‘The Day You Went Away’ from their 1st album, followed by ‘The Night Is On My Side’ from ‘Hoops’. The show highlighted their numerous hits from both albums including ‘Lay it Down’, ‘My Gun’, ‘Hold me Back’ and of course, ‘Hoops’. They even played their Adele cover ‘Hello’, which they first performed on Triple J’s ‘Like a Version’ in January this year.
Their illuminated backdrop, a series of glass panels, made the stage set colourful and dynamic. Various logos and trademark images alternated to keep the stage visuals interesting. The glass panels also acted like a mirror at times, presenting reflections of the various band members, giving an amazing sense of depth.
As the show progressed, lead singer, Sam became more daring, ending up in the crowd for some fan contact. His brother, Elliott ventured out from behind keys late in the show to take over lead vocals.
They finished with ‘Cut me loose’ before coming back with 2 encore songs, ‘Never Be The Same’ and ‘Hallelujah’, the opening track from the 2nd album. During ‘Never Be The Same’, Sam took to keyboards, demonstrating the versatility of these talented young musicians. The crowd was very appreciative and also warmed to the 2 support acts, Slum Sociable and Mansionair. The latter I was particularly keen to see live, having hit my radar recently. They did not disappoint.
There are 3 more shows left on this current tour.
• June 24th – Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
• June 25th – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
and finally
• August 20th – North West Festival, Port Hedland, Western Australia
Catch them if you can.
BAND MEMBERS:
Sam Margin – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Elliott Margin – Keys/Vocals
Zaac Margin – Lead Guitar
Scott Baldwin – Drums
Will ‘Hog’ Zeglis – Bass
PHOTO GALLERY
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From Darkroom to Lightroom in 4 decades.
Deb is aPhotographer, Music Lover, Ex teacher, and traveller.
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