Rubens - Carnivalesque
Their conception is translated into an emotionally evocative album
Glaswegian duo Mark Flanagan and Gordon MacDermid aim to create a fusion of classic electronics, acoustic instrumentals and live percussion with their debut, Carnivalesque. Their conception is translated into an emotionally evocative album with richly textured songs, varying from guitar laden moments to soft, subtle and slow paced harmonies, coursing from electronically synthesized melodies. This is the kind of album that you play while travelling to a remote and beautiful destination, allowing you to soak in the environment and yet be separated from it at the same time. The album flows fluidly and effortlessly, retaining an understated quality, with Puggies standing out as the most pop-oriented tune. It would be worth catching a live performance to see how they blend their skills with a live drummer and electric guitarist.
Another of The Skinny's reviewers was less impressed with this Rubens album, offering a more damning judgement - read the review here.