A simple opening guitar riff, a bit of a strum, and a wistful vocal, and David Robinson is delivering his ‘Inner Groove’.

It’s been a while coming. David has released individual tracks on various (mainly SCALA) compilation albums in recent years, some of which appear here in alternate versions. But it has been quite a few years since his last full length release. And it is a welcome arrival. These 11 tracks achieve in spades what David set out to do with this release – that is, to give an honest and revealing portrait of where he has arrived as a singer songwriter.David Robinson - Inner Groove CD Cover - The Clothesline

Nigel Grummet’s bright production helps to achieve this aim. Resisting the temptation to play with all of the sounds and tricks available in the modern studio, things have been kept deliberately simple. Although there is some subtle embellishment from drums, bass and occasionally keyboards and backing vocals, you still get from this recording a fair idea of what you get from a David Robinson solo performance.

Such an approach might be risky were it not for the quality of the songs. David’s songs are refreshingly melodic – there’s not a lot of angry shouting here – melodies you might find you are singing to yourself long after hearing. The lyrics are engaging and intelligent, not frightened of approaching some of the deeper questions (Is There Something Wrong With Me?).

David’s musical influences tend towards the British – The Beatles, Paul Weller, Billy Bragg, Oasis et al, and shades of each of these appear throughout. The title track hints at The Beatles’ flirtation with Indian music, while What Have You Done? could have escaped from McCartney’s musical suitcase. Perhaps even a nod to Ray Davies in Comfort Street, while there is a more sombre mood in Wish I Was You. Unsurprisingly the album finishes with David’s regular set closer Say Goodbye.

David Robinson’s Inner Groove is an enjoyable listen; one that bears up to repeated listens. In my opinion it does indeed demonstrate just how far David has come as a songwriter.

4 stars

Adrian Miller

David Robinson launches Inner Groove at Nook Nosh, 111 Unley Rd, Unley, from 2pm on Sun 27 May. Free entry.

Inner Groove will be available through Semaphore’s Mr V Records, and online at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and www.davidrobinsononline.com.

Click HERE to purchase your copy

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A simple opening guitar riff, a bit of a strum, and a wistful vocal, and David Robinson is delivering his ‘Inner Groove’. It’s been a while coming. David has released individual tracks on various (mainly SCALA) compilation albums in recent years, some of which appear here in alternate versions. But it has been quite a few years since his last full length release. And it is a welcome arrival. These 11 tracks achieve in spades what David set out to do with this release – that is, to give an honest and revealing portrait of where he has arrived as a singer songwriter. Nigel Grummet’s bright production helps to achieve this aim. Resisting the temptation to play with all of the sounds and tricks available in the modern studio, things have been kept deliberately simple. Although there is some subtle embellishment from drums, bass and occasionally keyboards and backing vocals, you still get from this recording a fair idea of what you get from a David Robinson solo performance. Such an approach might be risky were it not for the quality of the songs. David’s songs are refreshingly melodic – there’s not a lot of angry shouting here – melodies you might find you are singing to yourself long after hearing. The lyrics are engaging and intelligent, not frightened of approaching some of the deeper questions (Is There Something Wrong With Me?). David’s musical influences tend towards the British – The Beatles, Paul Weller, Billy Bragg, Oasis et al, and shades of each of these appear throughout. The title track hints at The Beatles’ flirtation with Indian music, while What Have You Done? could have escaped from McCartney’s musical suitcase. Perhaps even a nod to Ray Davies in Comfort Street, while there is a more sombre mood in Wish I Was You. Unsurprisingly the album finishes with David’s regular set closer Say Goodbye. David Robinson’s Inner Groove is an enjoyable listen; one that bears up to repeated listens. In my opinion it does indeed demonstrate just how far David has come as a songwriter. 4 stars Adrian Miller David Robinson launches Inner Groove at Nook Nosh, 111 Unley Rd, Unley, from 2pm on Sun 27 May. Free entry. Inner Groove will be available through Semaphore’s Mr V Records, and online at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and www.davidrobinsononline.com. Click HERE to purchase your copy

The Clothesline Rating...

Adrian Miller

Fine music to help find your inner groove....

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