Reuben

There’s nothing like a good sweaty mosh pit to get you in the mood for a raucous gig and Reuben playing at Manchester’s club underground was no exception. A basement of sorts, with no barriers and a dangerously low stage, the venue is not one for the attendee who likes to stand around and look pretty. This is a venue for those who like to get to the front and get down and dirty.

	"Reuben offer that delightful raw and screeching sound that so many bands often get wrong, along with beats that get your feet stamping and hands clapping."

Reuben have been around for a while and whilst they may not have gained the musical attention and popularity they deserve they have done well for themselves amongst the underground circuit. Two productively successful albums, along with the mega one hit “Freddy Kreuger” (can anyone forget that video gracing MTV2 for weeks on end?) the band have a third album planning to debut later in the year, and another tour ready for September. Just when you think Reuben have given up, they haven’t.

Having seen them at Readings independent Buk n Skit fest two years ago, and a stint at Manchester shortly after, I was expecting the goods from Jamie and co. Reuben offer that delightful raw and screeching sound that so many bands often get wrong, along with beats that get your feet stamping and hands clapping. The mix for me, has always kept their music interesting and set aside from the rest of the crowd.

With two albums to get through, an hour long set was justified. Favourites from ‘Racecar is Racecar backwards’ included ‘Let’s stop hanging out’, ‘Stuck in my throat’ and ‘Only eating apples’. Hits off of ‘Very fast, very dangerous,’ were slightly less well received but still got the crowd moving with tracks ‘Best enemies’ and ‘Keep it to yourself.’ In my opinion the second album lacks a certain number of memorable tunes and I was a bit disappointed that they played neither of their slow tracks ‘Dust’ or ‘Nobody loves you like I do’ to prove just how varied they can be.

Midway whilst donning a hospital gown, Jamie allowed one dedicated fan to come up on stage and chat with him, allowing him to sit on the amps and watch the rest of the set. This satisfied my knowledge that Reuben are just a genuinely nice group of guys playing good music, they are not pretentious in any way shape or form and truly are grateful for any support they get. And they don’t need super haircuts or tight jeans to do so.

The only downfall was no ‘Freddy Kreuger’ or ‘Kick in the mouth, arguably their two biggest hits, but oh well, it’s good to keep us wanting more. And no annoying encores. You’ve got to love that.

Reuben are touring in September and for anyone that wants something out of the emo, pop-punk loop hole, get yourselves down there. They will not disappoint.

FUTURE GIGS

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