Reuben and the Dark is the enrapturing alt folk-rock outfit led by singer-songwriter Reuben Bullock, whose music blends introspective lyrics with soaring instrumentals. Reuben and the Dark's music has been featured in Breaking Bad, The Highwaymen, Game of Thrones, Handmaids Tale, and many more. The talented Calgary-born Joshua Tree-based singer-songwriter, skateboarder and carpenter has released four full lengths on Arts & Crafts and toured the world.

In lieu of light

Reuben and the Dark has long nurtured a bond with its audience that transcends the power of human communion with music as the chosen vehicle. Now, the spirited folk- rock outfit announces its fourth album, In Lieu of Light, a collection of songs as bare and unguarded as any frontman Reuben Bullock has offered before.

Recalling the spontaneity of the band’s resounding 2013 arrival Funeral Sky, the eleven songs of In Lieu of Light are both humble and vast, flourishing from the simplicity of gentle piano and guitar – at times favouring the delicate frame of its intimacy, at others conceding to the anthems in its melodies. It is honest heart-based music, wide open yet lonesome, and begging connection.

In Lieu of Light was recorded throughout 2021 when at times for many the world seemed at an excruciating standstill. Reuben’s pensive lyrics, always known for their environmental resonance, turn more inward here. There is an element of personal, deeply relatable soul-searching at play, a perseverance through darkness, grief, escapism, and a subtle celebration of this despair that we have all confronted.

This performance will feature indigenous powwow singing group BULLHORN from Kainai-Bloodtribe, who will join Reuben and the Dark on stage for a portion of the show. 

Clea Anaïs’ compositions center on a multifaceted artistic sensibility, and an emotional intelligence as sharp as bright-coloured crystal. Raised in Canada by a Mauritian dancer and British painter, Clea is a multi-ethnic artist, creating shimmer-pop dreamscapes. 2022 saw the release of Clea’s debut album, Circle Zero recalling the inimitable vocals of Lana del Rey, grounded in the nostalgic groove and lush pop stylings of Beach House or Japanese Breakfast.

Accolades include the single Stars Still Dying winning Best Music Video Cinematography at the Canadian and European Cinematography Awards, landing in CBC Radio 3’s top 10 playlist, and the album reaching #1 on the CJSW (Calgary) charts. To support Circle Zero, in 2022 Clea toured Canada, Japan, and Finland, and performed at Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, The Calgary Folk Music Festival, Sled Island, Alberta Days, and Big Winter Classic.