Steve Robinson ‘Undercurrent’ (Sunshine Drenchy Records, 2007)

British transplant thrives in Florida sunshine

Robinson tells us via a covering letter that someone described his music as Crosby Still Nash and Innes and as a description of what he does, it is perfect. He is clearly enamoured with the Byrds (a stint with Roger McGuinn may have helped here), the Beatles and all things Californian folk rock. The lyrics and atmosphere though at times are unmistakeably British and the schooldays reminiscence of ‘The Best Days of Your Life’ does have something of the Rutles about it. The CSN & I remark is apposite because he does take templates and then twists them slightly so that in homage they offer something new of their own.

It helps of course that his voice is a melodic tenor and his songwriting and guitar playing are, as his label suggests, drenched in sunshine. ‘Love is Real’ is an Electric Light Quartet of a sound and when the melodies are given flight - on the harmony laden ‘Wasted and Waiting’ he makes a beautiful sound. Listening to him I’m reminded of the gentle power pop psychedelia of the Green Pyjamas. With the gorgeous melodies and harmonies it is like the Olivier Tremor Control’s older brother keeping the sound and the spirit of the 60’s alive.

Date review added:  Monday, September 03, 2007
Reviewer:  David Cowling
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  The official home of the Robinson