I first plugged into Robyn’s work with his stint in the vaunted Soft Boys, most especially the stone classic Underwater Moonlight, which contains everything you’d want to know about Robyn’s early work. He’s been remarkably consistent, both in his solo work and with his various band ventures, including The Egyptians. The Confuser, Robyn’s 25th solo album, is as much about death as it is about life and love. It is also his best work in many years, amidst a cluster of brilliant albums. As a writer, I veer between daunted fan girl and experienced curator and reviewer. My only foray into reviewing Robyn’s work was back in my college paper back in the 80s. I have also seen Robyn dozens of times, more than any other performer, and he is always immensely moving and tender, amidst his off the wall, hilarious persona. Hitchcock, like many of us, has experienced great loss in his personal life, and while to some it may seem like he’s mocking death (maybe so), I think the lightness in which he approaches the Grim Reaper is refreshing. He remains ebullient and jaunty in the face of what is happening in the world, and it’s a much needed respite to park your worries and groove to the tunes herein.
The album was recorded in Nashville by producer Brad Jones, and Hitchcock’s accomplished backing band frames all these songs perfectly. Guest highlights include Gillian Welch on ‘Ghost in Sunlight’ and former Soft Boy Kimberley Rew who adds guitar to ‘Breathless’, ‘How To Feel Alright’, ‘Ghost in Sunlight’, and ‘Building From The Ruins’.
‘I Am This Thing’ and its companion ‘How To Feel Alright’ are a Soft Boys flashback, especially the driving rhythm guitar on the latter tune. Robyn inserts seemingly random thoughts amidst the offbeat lyrics, like I dig the way he drops in “I love the music of the Byrds” after emoting that he owes “a lot to a dead man’s cock“. And the line about “touch me and I’m gone” just gutted me. The insanely catchy ‘My Dead Astronaut’ is a particular favourite, and in my head, I imagine it’s a slight knock against Musk. Who knows? ‘Breathless’ is simply lovely, one of those gorgeous confections Robyn excels at. It also reveals a layer of melancholy for what is lost in our very short lives. ‘Ghost in Sunlight’ is another stunning tune, featuring Gillian Welch’s dulcet tones.
‘Building From The Ruins’ is a funky slice of derision and disgust, a mirror of what so many of us feel in these times. Wow! And the psychedelic guitar flourishes fit right in. ‘The Vanishing Kind’ is a wonderful love song. Hold tight to your loved ones before they are gone! The instrumental accompaniment is stirring and so pretty. ‘Yesterday’s Rain’ has all the hallmarks of classic Hitchcock, and it kicks butt. It could easily have been recorded for an early Soft Boys album. With its evocative imagery and driving beat, it is a top tune. ‘Monday For Me’ is achingly pretty, another snapshot of how fast life slips by. This is an album to savour and sing along to, with its many memorable lyrics and melodies. It ranks as one of Robyn’s best, and he has the vim and vigour of a much younger soul. Bravo!
