ROBYN The Rakamonie EP review+Tour News+Friday Update!

Update: Robyn's website is finally online. Yes its not a patch on the Kylie site nor Robyn's previous official one but its nice and simple. You can hear the new Rakamonie EP, check dates, the biog and so forth. Check it out here

Review:

A few days ago a sweet little something slipped in my inbox and it hasnt left the Cd machine since. It was of course Robyns first ever UK release in yonks. Before I set off, I'd like to just one thang: I've had all of these tracks of years. Why? They've been released in Sweden in some shape or form for some time so theres actually nothing new on it. But this isnt really a CD for fans but rather instead "I'm back chavs!" after Robyn appears to have spent years of producing great music solely in Sweden. The Rakamonie EP is an re-introduction and a tentative cup of morning sunshine. The album starts off with a thumping baseline that slowly brings in the key track Konichiwa Bitches. As Robyn raps about tasting vanilla, coming in her lovers mouth and riding mansions you'll get whiffs of Fergie and Gwen Stefani.

Thing is, Konichiwa Bitches was ripping up the Scandic electro hubs and synthetic music lounges such as Action House & DiskoTek long before either aforementioned female acts broke away from their male-dominated bands. While its a slick rap track, it doesnt lead the pop listener down the dodgy path of London Bridge and Wind Me Up but rather bounces along with a poptastic 80's lite electric baseline. For the sublime sound effects thank Frippe Jonsater and Ljunligan.

Next up is Robyns cover of the Teddybears hit single CobraStyle. This was originally dubbed GirlieStyle and available on an soundtrack to some Swedish movie during the summer. Personally I think its the lowest point of the EP mainly cuz its unable to outshine the brilliance of Konichiwa Bitches which leaves you not wanting more but searching for oxygen as you recover from an asthama-like attack. As such, CobraStyle suffers because of its position rather than its contained self. Next up is yet another cover but this is pure gold. List Of Demands is a duet between Robyn and fellow Swede Jenny Wilson originally by the poet Saul Williams and is about poverty in the U.S. Although its live it'll blow you away. The delivery of anger, respite and speed puts you firmly in your place. This is a protest song that recalls Nina Simone and Marvin Gaye with a twist of poptastic lemon in the tainted voices of Jenny and Robyn. You suddenly feel the need to join up to the Socialist Worker...

As you pick yourself from the tirade of anger on List Of Demands the listener is given its first slice of world peace and vocal beauty. Or perhaps I've consumed too much weed tonight? Anyway, Robyn slows down the rant n' rap with an acoustic take of her hit single, Be Mine. This version sounds like the initial tear that came rushing down a face that inspired the uplifting reply of Fix You by Coldplay. You'll feel weak and lost but theres a whisper of bitterness that you can survive somewhat like walking through one of those harsh winter days where the wind cuts your face and the rain chills your smile. Robyn's Be Mine(acoustic version) offers hope, soul and utopia in a frosty therapy session without essentially throwing the analyst out with the couch.

The jumpy motif that spans the first three songs returns with Robyn's cover of the dirrty Prince track Jack U Off. Robyn examines the song and delivers pure 'sing-a-long' spirituality in an odd but debauched honkytonk style. You quite forget the shocking lyrics and find yourself duetting with Robyn much like you'd hum the melody of Neighbours or a Disney encore. Like Roncil, Jack U Off states what its about in its title and it doesnt get any deeper than wanking ya girl off in the back of "yo momma's car". If music could get any better it just struck sublimation.

The Rakamonie EP takes it odd title from the poet Hanna Zimmerman Lamby and nourishes an even greater state of poetic music. The beat comes thumping while the lyrics come crashing and you'll demand more the moment track five leaves you sticky and quite breathless. The photo was taken by Robyn while the general presentation of the CD was by some fellow with probably the best name in music design, one Mary Fagot..

Tour Dates news:

There are 2 dates currently penciled-in for Robyns initial burst back on the UK music scene. These are on November the 30th and December 1st at YoYo Notting Hill Arts Club & Pure Groove at Hoxton Square/Garden, respectively. They are not, at the moment, on sale but I highly recommend you see this very special artist live if you can.