I’m ashamed to admit that for as long as I’ve lived in Phoenix – or at least for as long as I’ve been attending shows – I’ve yet to see Reubens Accomplice, one of our local scene’s best bands.

The band’s principal members are Chris Corak and Jeff Bufano, although they seem to have stabilized the other half with Ryan Kennedy and the great John O’Reilly on drums, who apparently tracked some drum work in the studio for the Format’s latest LP Dog Problems.

Reubens has been quite active lately on the show circuit, which probably means they’re trying out new songs from the forthcoming LP, tentatively titled Mammal Music. If it’s as good as their last effort, The Bull, The Balloon, and The Family, then we’re in for a treat. The guys have a great ability in their writing to capture the vacant feelings of this city, its nostalgia and the sometimes depressing feeling that creates. There’s lots of sincerity in their irony.

If you’re on the West Coast, Reubens is playing a few dates with Maritime in Southern California in September and opening for the Format Friday night in San Diego. (Check their tour page.)

Limbeck and relative local newcomers Alcoholiday open the show tonight.

Reubens Accomplice | Underneath the Golden Grain
Reubens Accomplice | All Chorus