Jacob Robin CD Review

Jacob Robin
Underneath It All
Self-released
****
A spiritual journey told through music
Jacob Robin is a highly talented seventeen year old with a passion for music. Jacob’s music blends blues with folk, country and acoustic rock. Jacob’s music is passionate, warming and effortless. If Jacob were a book then he would be one of those huge photographic books that you display on your coffee table. Jacob is accompanied on his songs by his trusty acoustic guitar. Jacob is influenced by blues, folk and psychedelic music. These musical influences are represented in his own work by rhythmic changes and sensitive/evocative lyrics. The album bursts into life with Return To Innocence, which moves along effortlessly and is brought to life by Jacob’s stylish underplayed vocals. Jacob’s vocals remind me very much of Michael Stripe on this folk/rock song. Meditation sees Jacob blend folk with a touch of rock. The end result is a glorious song infused with Jacob’s distinctive vocals, which have a dreamy yet punctuated feel. The music is once again laid back adding to the dreamy feel of the song. This is one of those songs that lives on in the listeners mind long after the last chord has been struck and the vocals have faded away. On The Loose has a strong blues feel. Jacob’s guitar playing is amazing and his vocals are sublime – they have a great deal of texture and depth about them! Disarray is a quality rock/alt-country song. The lyrics are carefully crafted together. Jacob’s vocals are warming especially during the chorus. Sorry I Can’t Be is a laid back acoustic song with a strong blues influence tinged with country Jacob’s voice is distinctive and infectious, always encouraging listeners to hear more. I Long To Go is a pop/alt-country song with strong vocals. This song has quite a dramatic punctuated feel. Lies is a heavier song with a strong acoustic vibe running through it. Underneath It All is a vocally driven song. Jacob’s vocals are full of warmth and emanate tenderness throughout this acoustic song. Nothing To Lose is a guitar driven acoustic song, which sees many rhythmic changes. This song combines rock, blues and country. Every Day Is A Holy Day is a softer song with gentle vocals and backing music. This song has a wonderful fresh feel about it. Simple yet engaging lyrics allow this song to slip under the listener’s skin. Beneath Your Tree is a glorious alt-country, soft rock song with striking vocals. A lovely gentle song to end the album on. The songs on this album tell something of a spiritual journey for Jacob and listeners alike.