Album Review: Doc Robinson Aim For “The Deep End” Of Motown Love
Doc Robinson is too chill, and I say that happily. Their debut album, Deep End, is like diving in to the middle of the deep sea, and watching water flow around you with dreams and peaceful tidings in each bubble. Fronted by Jon Elliott of The Floorwalkers and Nick D’Andrea of Nick D’ and The Believers, this indie pop duo goes beyond pop experimentation to give a pop “exploration”.
Doc Robinson may have an alternative sound, but it comes from the idea of not creating something as much as rediscovering what you have as new. Their love for Motown soul is prevalent in the horn arrangements in “Summer Moon” and the sensual chords of “Older”. When I think Motown Soul, I think of dancing and love. There is an inherent display of romanticism in this classic genre that tracks like, “Break My fall” and “Deep End” play into in more ways than “relationship” themes. There is a dreaminess, almost deliriousness to how they wave their guitar melodies like, the deep end. I had forgotten that romance beyond being igniting can also be a relaxing notion. Simply resting in someone’s arms can be a sign of passion, and from their keys to their harmonies, you feel as if love is resting into songs such as “Borderline” and “Drive Slow”. What occurs is a ”tapestry” as Doc Robinson would call it, and this sonic tapestry has woven every experience and emotional following that has occurred to Doc Robinson up to their debut. They truly looked into their personal and music influences to create a record that sounds easy compared to the “village” it took to make it.
“Heavy Like”, “Marie”, and “Slip Away” may sound like easy listens, but Doc Robinson had to dig deep into their talents and life history to, ironically, simplify their sound and creativity. Though meticulously made, Deep End sounds effortless, again, like the ocean. When we look at the sea, it simply is, and for however complex its simplicity seems to us; it truly it a place to “be”. Lyrically, Deep End is Doc Robinson’s attempt to “be”, and their hymning harmonizing will make you settle into that notion. For More Information On Doc Robinson And To Buy Deep End On July 21 Click Here.
