Not Entirely Alone
The newest progressive project from John Mitchell, Lonely Robot, features many guest appearances from musicians that are members or ex-members from the many projects Mitchell has been a part of. With that being said it is truly a solo effort. Mitchell pens all the lyrics and plays guitar, as well as producing and engineering the album’s eleven tracks.
The first song on Please Come Home, “Airlock,” is an incredibly riveting intro. Huge drums drive a creepy piano line throughout that brings an almost cinematic feel, it would fit amazingly in a movie trailer. It continues to build through the guitar solo until the last thirty seconds where it finally lets up. Epic.
“God vs. Man” has a much more traditional, if that even applies to most prog music, rock song. Mitchell has a pretty good voice and shows his range here. He goes from soft whispers to a loud bark effortlessly. He also uses vocal effects and delays to give a sense of space. When we get to the third song, “The Boy In The Radio,” we are introduced to Mitchell’s more pop sensibilities. The man’s got a great ear for a hook and boy does it get you here. It’ll be in your head for weeks!
“Why Do We Stay,” the album’s requisite ballad, is truly an exceptional song. Stripping away the loud guitars for a piano and added female guest vocals from Heather Findlay, formerly of the band Mostly Autumn, who absolutely crushes her guest spot. She adds a new dimension to the song that really brings it up a notch above the rest of the tracks on the album.
Most solo records are a chance for frontmen and women to branch out from their usual musical style. A moment where they can operate without being held back by their own past musical history or their fellow bandmates. Please Come Home is no different. John Mitchell – feeling the need to create and produce music that he would have full control over – truly delivered a fantastic solo work. Let’s hope this lonely robot isn’t so lonely in the future.
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