Reuben and the Dark
Funeral Sky (Arts & Crafts) Crossing Mumford & Sons and Coldplay, Reuben and the Dark pumps indie folk with enough steroids to fill arenas. Not that Funeral Sky wallows in melodrama. Heart nailed to sleeve throughout, Reuben Bullock sings with a sense of resignation, giving even towering anthems “Bow and Arrow,” “Can’t See the Light,” and “Shoulderblade” just enough understatement. “A Memory’s Lament” and “Rolling Stone” add the requisite banjo for proper folk flavor, while “Standing Still” lays down a wrenching piano ballad. As trendmongering as Funeral Sky feels, Bullock hits every target he aims for dead center. With its soaring melodies, earthy drama, and honest craft, Reuben and the Dark wins. (1pm, Miller Lite stage)
This article appears in October 3 • 2014.
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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.
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