Music Review: Layden Robinson’s Within

My musician pal Layden Robinson sent me a couple of tracks from his new EP Within, so I thought I’d give them a listen and share my thoughts. Each song sounds very different based on its lyrics, its instrumentals, and emotions it conveys, but one thing they both share is Layden’s passionate vocals. His voice is very expressive, giving his performance an air of catharsis. As you listen to his music you get the sense that he’s exorcising demons both literal and imaginary by singing his heart out.

Layden’s track “Crying Sun” tackles tough times and depression in its lyrics and stripped down guitar sound. In its first half, you can picture him sitting on a stool at an open mic sharing these sentiments with his audience while he’s playing. Toward the middle, he makes a really cool tonal transition with his echoing proclamation that “The crying sun is here to stay.” Melancholy turns to useful anger as Layden ups his tempo and belts lines with great attitude like  “I’ve been so high. / Yes, as high as a fuckin’ god. / I’ve been lowly low. / Set the fire. / Offer me your soul.”

As a contrast, Layden’s tune “Strength and Love” is a soulful ballad about empowerment with light piano in the beginning. Layden finds energy in his chorus and the song picks up as he sings “Strength and love will comfort me. / Allow me to sail the seas.” Through repetition and a nice electric guitar solo, these words become a feel-good, self-fulfilling affirmation. It’s this positive vibe that carries Layden through the song, and clearly through real life when he’s having a rough time.

If you’re interested in listening to these tracks or picking up Layden’s EP Within, head on over to iTunes. You can also see his other music there too.