Warner Bros. Records Signs Australian Rock Sensations The Rubens
Warner Bros. Records is pleased to announce that it has signed Australian rock sensations The Rubens to its roster. The band - which is brothers Sam Margin (vocals/guitar), Elliott Margin (keyboards), and Zaac Margin (guitar), plus their longtime friend Scott Baldwin (drums) - hail from the tiny rural town of Menangle in New South Wales (pop. 327) and have been on a whirlwind journey since forming in 2011. They have gone from being total unknowns to enjoying strong support from Australia's influential radio station Triple J and playing the main stage at one of Australia's biggest music festivals, Splendour in the Grass, alongside Jack White and Bloc Party. The Rubens also opened for The Black Keys in New Zealand and have been selected to support Bruce Springsteen during his tour of Australia this March.
The Rubens' self-titled debut album, which was recorded in New York City with producer David Kahne (Paul McCartney, The Strokes, Regina Spektor), has already won over a legion of fans with its rich, soulful take on blues rock. The album debuted at No. 3 on the ARIA chart and sold more than 10K its first week, shooting to No. 1 on iTunes Australia. The album's first single, "My Gun," as well as the album itself, has been certified gold in Australia and has spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on Triple J.
Australian critics have lined up to praise The Rubens' album calling it "a sophisticated and distinctly Australian take on rock & roll" (Rolling Stone), "full of soul, sentiment, and sheer talent" (Indie Shuffle), and "a defining musical statement" (Beat). "They've captured a distinct vibe - and their future's scorching," wrote The Telegraph.
The Rubens will make their U.S. debut performing at SXSW and touring here in March. Prior to that, the band will tour the UK and Europe with Walk The Moon beginning February 20th. The band are pleased to announce their first-ever headlining shows outside of Australia as follows:
