Ever wondered if it’s possible for depression and anguish to have a very distinct sound? If you have you’ll be pleased to know that Robyn G Shiels has decided to prove that it can with his latest EP The Great Depression. What may surprise you, though, is just how beautiful it is. From the moment he opens the EP a capella for lead track When We Were Brothers the sense of torment begins in a way that is relaxed, to the point where he sounds like someone who is completely resigned to his place in life. The Love Of An Honest Man is just as painful. It’s rhythmic, gentle guitar easily have provided the backing for a chilled love song, instead as an accompaniment to a tale of love lost it becomes all the more poignant. Third track Look What You’ve Done is heart-achingly reflective, while Latest Greatest Comedienne , a stark ballad, actually has elements of Oasis to it, with the chorus containing shades of Half A World Away; something that helps it to stand out as the work of an incredibly accomplished singer-songwriter. Final track Hell Is… is hauntingly addictive, thanks to the whistling that it is so easy to get lost in.
Overall, the dark, country tone of Robyn’s voice plays fantastically against the soft female vocal that accompanies him on so much of this EP. It is, then, emotive, involving & ultimately painful and a piece of work that will stay with you long after you press stop. To listen to or buy the EP head over to Robyn’s Bandcamp page.
