Hoops bleeds blues and booze. The Rubens tell an honest narrative of a 20-something-year-old through smart, nuanced Rock and cheeky lyrics. It’s an album for the cynical - full of heartbreak, one-night stands and arrogance.
“I won’t say you ain’t special, but you ain’t nothing new,” sings lead singer Sam Margin in ‘The Night Is On My Side’. This track, and most of the album, could be the soundtrack to a hazy pub where two strangers lock eyes from across the bar with lust in their gaze.
Songs like ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Switchblade’ are huge rock ballads, and it’s not hard to imagine a crowd reacting energetically to both. ‘Hallelujah’ is Hoops’ grand opener with an imposing marching beat, big guitars and a jab at people preaching religion. The Rubens planned for this album to transpose into a big live show, and it’s easy to see why.
‘Hold Me Back’ could invoke a Rock ‘n’ Roll jive session when played live with its brassy undertones and sensual keys. Margin’s crooning vocals match lyrics of alcoholism and addiction and you’re transported back to the 50’s with a whiskey in-hand.
It’s not all lust and booze though; tracks ‘Hoops’ and ‘Bitter End’ will be sure to tickle your heartstrings. Title track ‘Hoops’ was the last song written for the album, and it shows the diversity of The Rubens’ sound, kicking along like some smooth RnB with lyrics of lost love.
‘Bitter End’, a personal favourite, revolves around a loop of Margin’s voice and has you hooked from the outset. The track allows us to get a glimpse of the hurt that is masked by pride in most of the album. A tale of being let down, emptiness and anger, paired with punchy drums and Margin’s soulful voice equates to a standout track.
Hoops isn’t cohesive, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s Rock, Soul, Blues and RnB melded into a variety of distinctly The Rubens style tracks. This album sings to the damages of love and the boozy nights that come along with it. And if you fell in love with their debut self-titled record, then you will fall for Hoops all the same, but for gloriously different reasons.
Review Score: 8.9 out of 10 
Hoops is out now.
