Introduced by an organic ambiance, a kind of reverberating arena of accordion-like waves and vocal-choir fragments – Rob Power’s EP The Lost Mine proves a boldly distinct and enchanting listen; one that’s both impressively original, and atmospherically inviting.
Alone In Brixton is our gateway into the experience, those initial looping fragments met by drawn-out synths, shakers, taps, hi-hats, and subtle electric guitar twangs, as the post-four-minute composition gathers celebratory momentum.
Things continue to build quite brilliantly – a humble key change, a kick drum, details and energy all uniting across an intoxicating sense of evolution.
Then we pause, just after the half-way mark – this music feeling a little like an unplugged or alt-folk take on something from Dario G. The ambiance changes gears melodically, but the set-up remains familiar – an essential anchor in this sea of creative expression.
Next The Lost Mine welcomes us with retro keys and lo-fi warmth, as The Wait runs through a near-six-minute exploration of nostalgic dance rhythms and synths that feel decidedly more electronic and ethereal at their peak. Meandering bass lines, soulful vocal snippets, a classic groove – the mood fits well but the set-up has shifted distinctly; an artistic producer at the helm, unlimited by genre, tools, or expectations.
With Free Admission, these old-school electronic layers and this production playfulness rings louder still, almost utilising a freestyle aspect on occasion, amidst a sea of samples and moments that blend genres quite seamlessly.
Finally, the vibe drops back from upbeat and celebratory, to something briefly more contemplative and intimate. …And You Were There feels cinematic from the outset, a level of rising anticipation and excitement that’s tinged with something romantic or loving. It’s a summertime aura, think Sweet Disposition, only much softer – the sun setting on a memorable day – the music slowly but surely tightening its grip and uplifting the listener, as these uniquely chosen intricacies and traits proceed to light up the soundscape.
Well-grounded eclecticism, freedom of creativity intertwined with a bold degree of purpose and evolution for each composition that emerges. The Rob Power style is encapsulated beautifully, through the four original compositions of The Lost Mine EP.
