Having recently signed to Arts & Crafts, the Calgary-based band Reuben and the Dark produce an emotive and chilling folk-rock sound that hinges on layered instrumentation and poignant lyrics.
The band is a project pulled together by singer/songwriter Reuben Bullock, who convinced his musician friends, including his brother and percussionist Distance Bullock, to play with him in 2011 after releasing his own solo album Pulling Up Arrows. In 2012, Reuben followed this up with his sophomore album Made Lakes and launched a Western Canadian tour.
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Reuben and the Dark are good at attracting crowds, which may be attributed to an indulgent chemistry the band has on stage. Using their friendships and familial ties as a backbone, they work hard at perfecting intricate vocal harmonies and distinct instrumentation that blends your average folk sound with the grittier side of indie rock.
Their debut full-length album with Arts & Crafts is expected to drop in early 2014, but earlier this month they revealed the album’s first single “Rolling Stone.” You can catch the band at one of their many stops along a North American tour.
Photo: Supplied, Lucia Graca