Sound Bites: The Rubens

It's a big month for The Rubens, with the indie rockers dropping their sixth LP, Group Therapy, and hitting the road for a run of national shows. Ahead of their hectic month, brothers Sam and Elliot Margin faced off with The Note for our new regular series, Sound Bites, answering a series of rapid-fire questions.

What three words would you use to describe Group Therapy?

Sam: Warm. Honest. Therapy.

'Love Me America', a love song to the States, is your latest single. What do you love most about America?

Elliot: Everything is turned up to 11. For better and for worse. 

What was the biggest lesson from the making of Group Therapy?

S: That six albums deep, we still bloody love what we do and somehow still love each other.

What's the one song you've written that you would recommend to people unfamiliar with The Rubens?

S: I think 'Black Balloon' kinda shows most elements that you can expect to hear within our catalogue.

The Rolling Stones or The Beatles?

E: Stones, but the more I hear from these Beatles guys, the more my interest is piqued. 

What's your favourite junk food to eat on the road?

S: Domino's Pizza.

Who would be your dream music video director?

E: A$AP Rocky. This may be controversial, but in my opinion, his music videos have had more impact than his music. They always deliver. 

What Australian band is on the cusp of superstardom?

S: Bean Magazine.

Guilty pleasure album?

E: A Rush Of Blood To The Head. Coldplay aren't cool, but you can't deny a classic. 

READ MORE: Ella Hooper is Older, Wiser and Still Having Fun

If a movie was made about The Rubens, who would play each member?

E: The cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Sam would be Dennis, Scotty would be Mac, Zaac would be Charlie, Will would be Frank, and I would be Sweet Dee. 

What album have you listened to the most?

S: Oracular Spectacular by MGMT.

Weirdest rider request?

E: Zero alcohol beers. Our past selves would be turning in their graves. 

Do you believe in UFOs?

S: Yes.

What song do you wish you had written?

E: 'Nights' by Frank Ocean. 

Who are your four dream dinner guests?

S: Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Lewis Capaldi

What is your favourite movie one-liner?

E: "Our pet's HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!" Lloyd Christmas, Dumb and Dumber. 

Have you ever cried at a gig? If so, what gig and why?

E: I don't think so. Nine hours into a 14-hour flight is usually when I'm at my most vulnerable. That's when I get teary. 

What was the last great book you read?

E: Ponti by Sharlene Teo. 

Catch The Rubens performing at The Gov in Adelaide on Friday 23 October and The Globe Hotel in Mt Gambier on Saturday 24 October. Tickets on sale at therubensmusic.com. Group Therapy is out Friday 16 October. Pre-save here.