It’s difficult second album time for fey singer songwriter Robin James. Having been spared any exposure to his first album “Saint Jude”, I don’t know whether the dirge like pacing is a change or simply endemic to the style of the man.
So, on to “Paper Earth” – which, incidentally, was recorded without the use of any of those computer things – and what strikes me most is the curious consistency of it. The songs merge into each other with little variety in pace or arrangements while his rather feeble voice proves something of an acquired taste and provides little effective cover to his words. Avoiding dynamics is an approach not exactly unknown to the sensitive singer song writers of this kingdom and no doubt such an approach is intended to reflect the thoroughly sensitive and personal nature of the songs. On further reflection though, I think I’m being way too kind in saying that.
Ultimately, I suppose that if you wear a woolly cardigan and live in a bedsit then this might be the very thing for you. The rest of us will probably hear one of Mr James’s songs and just wander off and do something more entertaining like spilling hot coffee on our collective laps. Pain, after all, is God’s way of reminding you that you are alive.