The Way Out
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
An up and coming artist from Atlanta, don’t let Robin Tucker’s young age fool you, cause the classically trained pianist, singer and songwriter plays with a sophistication and creativity that far exceeds his years on this sophomore album.
“The Warning” starts the listen with elegant keys and much atmosphere, where a buzzing rock presence enters with plenty of gritty melody, and “As I Burn” continues the formula with much power and warmth that unfolds with tuneful singing amid the agile drumming.
In the middle, “Avery” unfolds with a calmer approach of modern rock ideas alongside some of the best singing present, while “Medical Emergency” uses strategic piano along with ample beauty that explores Tucker’s darker vision.. “Sacrifice” continues the gentler theme of this portion of the listen, where poetic, falsetto singing builds into an emotive rocker with Cheryl B. Engelhardt’s captivating singing complementing the mood.
“Angels” arrives near the end, and is textured with both tense rock and playful pop nods, and “Reignfall” exits the listen with Tucker’s classical background illuminated as spare moments are balanced with an underlying ominous tone that gives Tucker’s work a very distinct feel.
An extremely diverse outing that uses classical, pop, grunge and alt-rock that might closely resemble Evanescence, Tucker certainly retains a youthful approach, but it’s one that’s quite mature, sometimes raw and always interesting. At just 20 years old, this is a talent to keep a close eye on.
Travels well with: Mars Hall- Is Anybody Out There?; The Pink Dust- Dark Seas