An engaging, often whimsical record...
17 · 04 · 2025
There's a humorous aspect of human nature where people claim to know something they actually don't. When someone asks you, “Do you know so-and-so?” or “Have you heard this new band?”, you can either confidently act as if you do or pretend otherwise, depending on your conversation partner. In examining the musicians featured on Robyn Rocket’s album ‘Robyn Rocket And People You May Have Heard Of’ – some are familiar to me, while others are not. This adds an element of excitement; while hearing familiar artists is enjoyable, discovering new talents is even more thrilling. I imagine Rocket may have pitched the album to potential collaborators by saying, “Come to the studio; there will be people you might recognize there.” The recording spanned three days across three different studios, with varying arrangements of musicians. Although some players were acquainted, others were not, and all tracks were crafted through improvisation during these sessions.
After a sweet introduction, the album truly begins. ‘I Was Disconnected’ presents a slow, mournful reflection. Vocalist Sam Castell-Ward articulates a candid expression of feeling alienated from the surrounding world and the difficulty of dismantling internal barriers to reconnect. The music is understated yet conceals some striking melodies beneath the surface. As Castell-Ward concludes his narrative, the band erupts into a vibrant conclusion, ushering in the last two minutes as a jubilant drone. This serves as a fantastic opener, signaling that the album will be a heartfelt experience, rich in empathy and personal revelations. The music is complex but not overwhelming.
‘Mystery Man’ shifts to a more upbeat, funky vibe. This time, Sebastian Golgir takes the vocal lead, narrating an amusing tale about a, well, mystery man. It’s whimsical, abstract, and enjoyable, yet Golgir isn't the only guest artist. Alabaster DePlume joins in on saxophone, and it’s when Rocket and DePlume exchange sax lines that the song truly comes alive. ‘Intense Love’ is the album's first instrumental track. It has a dark and moody essence, highlighted by bursts of bright saxophone. Charles Hayward’s drumming is the backbone of the piece; it’s both delicate and driving, and when he increases the tempo, everything becomes electrifying.
The highlight of the album is ‘We Are All Human.’ Here, Rocket steps up to sing about her own feelings of isolation due to a lack of community. She shares, “I have learned from personal experience” that being around others reduces vulnerability. She emphasizes the importance of finding ways to include people, as everyone benefits from it. This encapsulates the core message of the album: to be kind and welcoming, rather than exclusive. Following this spoken word opening, the song begins. Hypnotic sax plays a key role, with a simple yet impactful riff accentuated by lazy drifting sounds from the drums, bass, and synth, reminiscent of smoke from a snuffed candle.
‘Robyn Rocket And People You May Have Heard Of’ is a smart album that becomes more enjoyable with each listen. The themes of positivity and inclusiveness feel like a message that shouldn’t need reiteration in 2025, but unfortunately, it does. A minor downside is the ‘Intro’, ‘Side A Credits’, and ‘Side B Credits’; they can come off as overly cutesy and somewhat irritating on a first listen. While acknowledging the importance of knowing who is involved in an album, there's a reason why credits are typically not added as a closing track. Though you can easily skip or exclude these tracks from a playlist, when using a platform that doesn’t allow alterations, they disrupt the album's flow. This is a slight annoyance, as overall, the album is quite enjoyable and inventive, with Rocket demonstrating an exceptional talent for melody and composition. The overarching themes of unity and support are essential now more than ever. So, more of the same please, Rocket, but consider keeping the credits within the album sleeve next time.
7/10
Words: Nick Roseblade
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It's a humorous human tendency to claim knowledge about something even when you don't. For instance, if someone inquires, "Do you know so-and-so?" or "Have you heard of this new band?",