It’s always a treat (to me at, at least) when Robin Guthrie releases new music. In a short span he’s released one album and three EPs.
The album, Pearldiving, and the EPs, Mockingbird Lane, Riviera, and Springtime, are a swirl of sounds. From Springtime the standout track is “All For Nothing,” a quiet, slowly building tune, reminiscent of his collaborations with Harold Budd. In contrast, on Riviera my favorite track is “Starfish Prime,” a heavier, more bass-laden sound. Meanwhile, on Mockingbird Lane, “My Courtesan,” is my pick. This is not to say the other songs aren’t great, but on each EP, if I were to pick my favorites, those would be the ones. But, as they say, de gustibus non disputandum set; individual tests vary.
Each EP comes with four songs, and though I cannot detect any themes therein, the album seems definitely melancholy. “The Amber Room,” closes the album, and I have played it numerous times. “Les Amourettes” is another standout track on the album. One can almost visualize slow waves wrapped around an anchored boat when listening to “Oustern,” or maybe that’s a strange image that came to my mind. All the tunes are atmospheric, quiet, a variety of instruments blended skillfully together. It’s been a long wait for new music from Guthrie, but well worth the wait.
