Reviews    The Rubes - Hokum (Underdogma Records)
by Chris Barnes

Well shoot, this blew me away right out of the gates. Gawdamm if The Rubes don't strike me as a modern day Humble Pie, only leaning more towards the heavier end of the sound spectrum. Or Gov't Mule with an anger-management problem. Huge 70's arena rock meets the Boss metal pedal. Heavy white boy blues, sung with soul.

Singer Mace has that same clear, soulful voice that Steve Marriot possesed, only this time the riffs generated by guitarist Brent have more to do with Angus Young than anything Robert Johnson. Simple, tasteful riffs serve as a launching pad for Mace's incredibly expressive voice, drummer Greg Fee keeping time all the while with some inventive, sometimes jazz like drumming.

But fuck it if these guys can't handle the ballad as well... "Interlude" is a beautiful, poignant ballad with acoustic guitar, flute and of course Mace's incredible pipes....way too short though.

I can't really think of anything else to say other than this will definitely be in my top five for 2002, pending the arrival of some musical miracle. One of those rare gatherings of musical genius that give rock n' roll a good name. Expressive, moving and infinitely rocking.

Purchase The Rubes' Hokum at the Hellride Music Super Store

Listen to a Real Audio sample of Change My Mind

Visit the Rubes website at www.rubesville.com

Copyright 2002 HellrideMusic.com
Review by Chris Barnes 4/5/02