Robin Trower – Coming Closer To The Day

Robin Trower

Coming Closer To The Day

(Provogue/Mascot Label Group)

So here is the latest in the series of albums where Robin multi-tasks on the instruments and the vocals as part of what I call his New Testament. And he digs deep, with his musical roots on display and his imagination scraping the sky. The lyrics can bite or prompt reflection and the guitar mastery reigns but with no pomp rock bluster.

Lead cut Diving Bell is a gem. The chosen key is spot on for Robin’s voice and the almost Dylanish declamatory delivery mines melody before a biting solo. The percussion touches bear fruit and the distinctive controlled feedback tickles the senses. Truth Or Lies takes a solid tread, on a theme of damage by rumours. Jazzy chords roll through the mix in what would be a fine tune for Tina Turner. Title song Coming Closer To The Day is a haunting piece in another ace key with a moody solo. The apocalyptic vibe is awesome to hear. Ghosts has an Albert King-tinged shiver. ‘Getting close to midnight..’ sings Trower and a dark blue cloud descends.

Tide Of Confusion oozes attack, with a jagged tempo and a chordal progression produces an uneasy shifting feel. Meanwhile The Perfect Wrong and its emphatic opening is the very sound of determination. Little Girl Blue has a dream-like ambience for a plea not to hide away from problems. There is something of classic Leon Russell songcraft here. The purposeful Someone Of Great Renown hits the target for theme and execution. Lonesome Road is stone blues, a natural sound for Robin and maybe a nod to Buddy Guy. Tell Me would be a wonderful song for a Dinah Shore or Etta James with its loping sound and lush chording. Don’t Ever Change is a more desolate piece and surely closer Take Me With You is a new stage favourite, with its burst of sound. Any of these numbers would sparkle in a setlist, he is spoiled for choice but that’s Trower’s harvest…

Pete Sargeant